The Battle of Russia

This is certainly not only one of the most singular documentaries ever made but also one of the best. Frank Capra and Anatole Litvak made it together, striking at the opportunity of documenting the fate of Russia in the war and catching an extensive and comprehensive picture of the Russian situation while it was fresh and still going on, concentrating on the siege of Leningrad and the battle of Stalingrad, ending with the definite turning point of the war. The entire documentary is dominated by Russian music, 75-80% Tchaikovsky with some moments of Shostakovich, Prokofiev and folk music. The account is effective and intelligent all the way, the film rolls on like the war without mercy in tremendous overwhelming realism, while at the same time there is much vital information here that never came across to the west. The only objection against the film anyone could have is the aggressive tone of the speaker, which is as hard as the war, - but even that fits into the picture. It's a great classic documentary for all time without any Hollywood embellishments or tricks, everything is documentary and true, and although it IS a propaganda picture, made to gain support for the Russian cause in the war from the public in the west, it's brilliantly done, and the glory of the victories and ordeals of Stalingrad and Leningrad WAS THERE and must never be forgotten.

Seven stars. With a little round-up. Because the stuff-blowing-up montages went on too long. Because the stock footage that purported to be of happy workers in Leningrad should have been showing us skeletal stick figures. Because Capra just couldn't help being Capra in those scenes of the people either viewing their destroyed homes and families, or reveling in a faux return to normalcy during Christmas 1943. And because the film so carefully ignored things like the Soviet attacks on Poland and Finland in 1939-40. But worth the round-up because the tactical footage was fantastic. And because the film really did do a good job of showing the "average American" why we were spending so much to arm the Russians. I also liked the dissection of the strategies of the two armies on the Eastern front. These WW2 Hollywood propaganda films are fascinating artifacts. Capra made a bunch of them, without ever getting his hands dirty. I'm happy that a bunch of them have become available for streaming. I hardly ever find anything I want to watch on N3tfl!x's streaming site. So I have to give them props for this film.

2 November 2020.

Part of Frank Capra's "Why We Fight" series of documentary/propaganda films, this film details Russia' involvement in WW2. We see Russia's geography, industry, people, history of repelling invaders and WW2 history.

One of the most bizarre propaganda films you'll ever see: an American film praising Russia. Yes, the US and Russia were allies at the time but the relationship was never that friendly or admiration-filled. Stalin's regime was as reprehensible as Hitler's and the US largely knew this. However, common enemies breed strange bedfellows and Russia with the US (and Britain) would be one of the strangest.

It is well made though. Good use of historic war footage plus dramatizations together with great editing make for a seamless feel to the film. Narration is of the propaganda variety, though you can imagine the narrator having to grit his teeth through some of the pro-Russian bs.

As far as historic accuracy goes, well it is a propaganda film: Russia is made out to be a benevolent democracy (almost) and Stalin a great, friendly leader (rather than a genocidal tyrant). No mention of Russia involvement in the invasion of Poland and their lack of preparation for Germany's invasion is painted as a planned strategy and masterstroke - defence in depth. The broader events are reasonably accurately reported.

Most importantly, the quality that did the most to help Russia win on the Eastern Front is captured - the perseverance and tenacity of the Russian people and their undying resolve to rid themselves of the invader.

Comparing it to Capra's Prelude to War, The Battle of Russia doesn't feel quite so in-your-face as a propaganda movie. Some of the same techniques are there, but it feels a little more like it's trying to inform. There is informing and persuasion going on here for sure, but the way it slightly backs off the latter does probably make it a "better" documentary, while also making it feel a little less interesting to try and unpack.

But when considered as something that wanted to look at what had been happening in Russia during World War II, and made while World War II was still going on, it's certainly interesting. It's doubly fascinating to hear an American documentary talk about Soviet Russia in such a positive light (something something, the enemy of my enemy is my friend).

This is the fifth of seven films in the "Why We Fight" series that was directed by Frank Capra. These pictures are documentaries as well as propaganda...with a strong emphasis on propaganda in order to bolster support for the war effort. Of the seven films, perhaps "The Battle of Russia" is the one which emphases propaganda much more than facts. Using selective information, the film makes a strong message--our friends, the Russians, are plucky and will NOT roll over for the invading Germans...and they need our help. To make message, the film strongly emphasizes some facts while ignoring the many bad things about Stalinist Russia...such as repression, the Russia-Germany non-aggression pact and Stalin himself. This isn't too surprising, as Hollywood did an about face with Russia during the war. While pre- war films, such as "Comrad X", made fun of the Soviets and mocked their system, now that they were allies in the war, a new and ridiculously idealistic view of the USSR made its way into movies such as "The North Star". After all...they were now the American's new strange bedfellow. And, it's because of the combinations of truths and many half truths and omissions that the film is only fair despite its strong message.