Bitva za Moskvu

This Soviet war epic is essentially a diagnosis, and if the name Ozerov is mentioned, there is hope that the film won't be pathetic, tendentious, and heavy-handed. However, yes, as a symbol of Soviet war cinema and the official interpretation of war events, it makes sense to watch the film, but I recommend reading as much as possible beforehand so that you understand where Ozerov is pulling the wool over your eyes. Ozerov can offer the sort of quantity of war machinery and extras that his colleagues could only dream of. However, the film once again shows how clumsy and unimaginative the director really was. The choreography of his battles is stiff, and the handling of historical facts is purposeful at best and disgustingly manipulative at worst. Catastrophic decisions are presented as tactical victories, and contempt for people and brutality as heroism. The more knowledge you have about World War II, the more you will be astonished by everything that Ozerov has omitted and distorted. His entire work deserves a thorough debate and reassessment. Thus far, the film has benefited from the nostalgia of witnesses and the enchantment of war machinery enthusiasts. Overall impression: 25%. (19.04.2018)