The Battalion (2015)

The Age of Commercialism

A different way of telling a story

A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.

Russia had already lost the war, and carrying on with it was pointless.Does show how gruesome the war was, but fails to question the need to fight it.Enemy soldiers in uniform are entitled to collect military intelligence and are not spies. To ignore a white flag is a war crime.Maria Bochkareva got pardoned once, but urged US intervention to help the far-right and antisemitic Whites in Russia's Civil War. Saying she was 'seen as on the White side' is not a fair summation of this.Came back to fight as part of their army, was captured and executed.

In 1917 Russia was at war – with Germany and itself. The troops at the front were war weary and being run by 'Soldiers Committees', the Tsar had been removed and the Provisional Government were fighting a losing battle for the hearts and minds of the people and the soldiers. So Minister of War, Alexander Kerensky, was charged with raising an all female combat unit. The first one was the '1st Russian Women's Battalion of Death' and it was raised and led by a feisty soldier who had already been decorated – fighting alongside men – this was Maria Bochareva.She ruled with an iron fist and this is her story as told through the women who fought with her. They were one of only two units that were sent to combat and this film portrays what they did, the obstacles they had to overcome and the men they went to help.Now history purists may take exception at some of the events here but the Kerensky Offensive (which they were in) is actually done fairly well. The acting is all rather good and the materiel seemed fine too. I have seen one review which called it 'modernist propaganda' but this is 'based' on facts. A full film on the real life of Maria Bochareva would have been a great idea too from the little I have read of her. The film portrays most of the women as being heroines though and she is not set at centre stage. This though is still a film very much worth the effort and as such I am happy to recommend.

A wonderfully told true story of a very difficult period in the history of Russia. Great script, acting, filmography and scenography. Delighted to see that WWI stories are making to the Russian cinematography. There is good balance between funny lines, drama and action. Horrors of war depicted without exaggeration and unfortunately very common in the movies artistry. Girls remain girls even in the army, even when risking their lives, even at the time of a heroic act. And I think it is exactly that exposes the merciless, cruel face of war. I am glad to see that director is not taking sides in the conflict that was about to bring the Civil war in Russia. His position is very clear nonetheless - war is a brutal crime. Through the dirt mixed with blood and sweat in fearful eyes of the girls of Battalion we can still see much love, and hope, and peace. Peace that doesn't mean the absence of war, but clear conscience and purpose. An absolute must see!

This is an actual true history with an awesome performance from the actor, a very realistic depiction of the situation of that time Russia. Image, FX, acting, historic accuracy, scenarios, guns, uniforms, all to the perfect reproduction. The story is amazing and it will make you care about the people on it, you will really suffer with their death in the horror of the trench and open field charges of WWI. You will follow the formation of a female battalion in the awakening of the soviet revolution. Created to encourage the Russian men in the front who were refusing to fight after years of dying and fail to push the Germans back, in a war they didn't care for a ruthless dictator that was the zar. The women were there for idealism or revenge for the loss of their loved ones. They went, and fought proving themselves truly warriors inspiring other women to fight for their land and people, not the rulers. With this scenario, you will find that with all the reason the men had to not fight, here, they look like a bunch of cowards and more girls than the girls of the story.Piece of art, a truly one. The kind of war movies i like.Recommended, not a second of waste.