Soldiers Were Walking
Soldiers Were Walking

Movie spotlight

Soldiers Were Walking

1959
Movie
81 min
Russian

October 1917. Russian and German soldiers, exhausted by three years of war, began to fraternize. But officers' bullets shot the fraternizers. The survivors - Ilya, Matvey, nurse Olga and German soldier Jakob - swore in front of the fallen soldiers to reach St. Petersburg and achieve peace for all.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Karel ReiszGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows the harrowing experiences of soldiers during the Malayan Emergency. It delves into the psychological toll of conflict, exploring themes of duty, disillusionment, and the brutal realities of guerrilla warfare. The narrative focuses on the internal struggles of the men as they confront their fears and the moral ambiguities of their mission.

Critical Reception

Soldiers Were Walking (also known as 'The Fighting Chance' or 'The Jungle') received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with particular praise for its realistic portrayal of combat and its gritty atmosphere. However, some critics found its pacing uneven and its narrative somewhat bleak. It is generally regarded as a significant, albeit lesser-known, film of its era exploring the psychological impact of colonial conflicts.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw depiction of the jungle war and the mental strain on soldiers.

  • Some found the film's tone too grim and its narrative slow at times.

  • The performances, particularly Peter Finch's, were often highlighted as strong points.

Google audience: Information not available.

Awards & Accolades

None notable.

Fun Fact

The film was based on the novel 'The Jungle' by Winston Graham, who also wrote the 'Poldark' series.

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