A scene from Fortress of War. Photo: Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Let me put something into perspective. Historical dramas have become a new trend for movie goers; however, this may not be the case for a movie re-narrating the horrors of war. Perhaps, it is because of the truth captured. I chose to review Fortress of War due to the aspect of rich history it presents on World War II and the aggression brought forward by the Nazis.
A poster of Fortress of War. IMDb
The fighting and defense of the wall, marks the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, which took place during the German-Soviet War. The movie has been critically acclaimed for its near-perfect capturing of the events that took place. Another interesting fact is that the production did not cost much to depict or rather capture the events. Approximately $7 million was used in the production.
A scene from Fortress of War/ Photo Credit: IMDb
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Fortress of War (2010) is a Russian production that portrays events that took place during World War II. After watching the film, the audience begins to understand the events of Brest Fortress, which was under attack from the Nazis on the 22nd of June, 1941. In an unrelenting effort, the film shows how the Russian forces defended the border for a record of nine days. The defense of the wall is under the brave leadership of Peter Gavrilov, Commissioner Efim Fomin, and Andrei Kizhevatov (the leader of the 9th Frontier). Brest Fortress is found in Belarus, and that forms the geographical location of where the events were taking place.
A scene from Fortress of War. Letterboxd
The events are narrated by Sashka Akimov, an adult, with the twist that the events are seen through the eyes of a young boy (Petya Klypa). The film depicts how the German forces advanced on Red Army Garrison, hosting 8000 soldiers, including their wives and children.
The film is centered around actual events that took place on June 22nd. The attack is organized and involves sending saboteurs to the garrison dressed in like the Russians. Things advance so fast that numerous buildings are quickly reduced to smithereens. The horrific tale of these events begins with a slide containing a dedication to the fallen. The film focuses on the thematic representation of the war and the horrendous outcomes. |
A scene from Fortress of War. IMDb
The film might attract divergent views, but the production and the depiction of the events taking place during the war is a contemporary masterpiece. First, the movie is both realistic and emotional. The audience becomes part of the battle since the creators draw their attention to the horrors of war. The lines used in the dialogue are not fillers, and every camera shot is not wasted. The rawness of the battle has been captured through the wounds, dirt, bloodshed, and the bombings taking place. The attention of the viewer is taken to the efforts of a young boy that attempts to find his girlfriend who has been lost in the madness of the war. Love is then juxtaposed with the horrors of the war or rather battle. As the war escalates, we see the undying spirit of the 8,000 soldiers who fought to the death to defend Brest Fortress.
The depiction of the events displays the perseverance of the Russians, who are adamant and willing to fight until the end. Chants of the soldiers demonstrate this unrelenting spirit. The film indicates the aspects of heroism both for the soldiers and the Soviet Union in the wake of fascism, there are uncelebrated heroes such as cooks, musicians, and the ordinary people who also become part of the victory, and the images portray the ugliness of the war. The Brest Wall symbolizes resilience since it has also been under several onslaughts, including the German air attacks in 1939. The true nature of the war is indicated and captured in the film.
The day begins like any other in the military compound. In this case, the individuals are carrying on with normal activities such as dancing and shopping. The day ends peacefully despite the fact there are persistent rumors about Germans planning to attack the fortress. Then, moments later, we see the intensification of war with the firing of heavy artillery, heavy casualties, disconnected communications, and despair. The coordinated combat took the inhabitants by surprise, which brings the viewer to the harsh realities of ambush and the lack of preparation. Although the fortress and, to some extent, the city receives a fair share of damage, the valor of Soviet soldiers is captured as they seek to defend the citadel.
The day begins like any other in the military compound. In this case, the individuals are carrying on with normal activities such as dancing and shopping. The day ends peacefully despite the fact there are persistent rumors about Germans planning to attack the fortress. Then, moments later, we see the intensification of war with the firing of heavy artillery, heavy casualties, disconnected communications, and despair. The coordinated combat took the inhabitants by surprise, which brings the viewer to the harsh realities of ambush and the lack of preparation. Although the fortress and, to some extent, the city receives a fair share of damage, the valor of Soviet soldiers is captured as they seek to defend the citadel.
An interesting feature of the film is the avoidance of heroic clichés, which denotes movies thematically representing The Soviet War. The creators capture human emotions and how rapidly things can change from joy... to hopelessness and despair.
I believe the film thematically relates to Clint Eastwood's directed movie titled ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ due to the element of bringing about the intensity of the war, thematic representation of heroism, tragedy, and realism. Indeed, the movie is not the usual portrayal of typical World War II, in which the allied soldiers are seen machine-gunning their enemies. The film is all about tragedy, despair, and hope. Additionally, the movie has its strengths in capturing Russian life, which is shown through family values, music, and dance. These pre-siege conditions show us that the people before the invasion lived dignified lives.
Fortress of War
Director: Alexander Kott
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343703/
I believe the film thematically relates to Clint Eastwood's directed movie titled ‘Letters from Iwo Jima’ due to the element of bringing about the intensity of the war, thematic representation of heroism, tragedy, and realism. Indeed, the movie is not the usual portrayal of typical World War II, in which the allied soldiers are seen machine-gunning their enemies. The film is all about tragedy, despair, and hope. Additionally, the movie has its strengths in capturing Russian life, which is shown through family values, music, and dance. These pre-siege conditions show us that the people before the invasion lived dignified lives.
Fortress of War
Director: Alexander Kott
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1343703/
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