Saving Leningrad

Kind of enjoyed this. A tad disjointed,think the editing department needed either more direction or a bigger budget. The cinematography was good and soundtrack was fitting, reminiscent of James Horner John Barry. Watched with English subtitles which in parts were a bit too literal. Not the worst war movie you will ever see and if you can forgive the frequent borrowings from saving private ryan and titanic you might enjoy. I give it a 5 out of 10. Watchable but only if your really stuck for something better.

The Germans bombed a barge, it sank, and 800 or so people, mostly civilians, drowned. In the process, a few soldiers opened fire from rifles and downed both German fighters that attacked the barge. Seems like fantasy? Well, that's probably because it is. The barge in question did indeed sink, but not because of German attack. Mind you, the Germans did occasionally bomb vessels crossing the Ladoga lake, but this one was not bombed. It sank because it was overloaded and in somewhat poor shape, and because weather conditions were unfavourable. But instead of making a powerful drama about civilians fleeing starvation inside a besieged city, and drowning in the process, the film makers thought this should be an action movie with Russian supermen who down planes with a single bullet... Twice! It is also a poorly written love story, and yet another story of reconciliation, as NKVD captain becomes friends with the guy he was going to have shot along with his father. You see, recent Russian war films are obsessed with the message of reconciliation between Russians, despite ideological and other divides that existed in 1941. In the end, the film ends up being a manipulative mess that provides no payoff. It is also disrespectful towards the people who died.

I was not brave enough to ONLY try this crap fom Russia till the end. Hollywood on Neva. Clichés and propaganda at the worst. Maybe film making is good, and special effects CGI too, but I still have in mind the pure masterpiece that Sergio Leone had planned to direct, back in 1989. Imagine Sergio Leone making a film about the 900 days of Leningrad Siege. Imagine this film which will never be, and compare this scheme with this pure garbage stuff. I tried and puked all over the joint.

Kostya is a young man serving in the military. Nastya is the love of his life, and when an emergency evacuation of Leningrad starts, he arranges for her to be among the first to board the Barge 752 (a barge is a flat-bottomed waterway vessel).

Nastya's father was a German spy, who was investigated by Inspector Petruchik, who also boards the vessel. He is an arrogant man riding on the wave of his authority. Kosya's father is Captain Gorelov, who took responsibility upon himself to overload the barge, given its condition.

Unbeknownst to them the German's were planning an air raid to stop the evacuation, and to destroy all ships and vessels. This adds increasing suspense, as we as the viewer realize what's coming. The characters are well set-up and we learn more about each one as the film develops. The battle scenes are well made and realistic. The best scenes by far were the storm scenes, which were incredible.

The third act is non-stop action. I couldn't help but think about 'Titanic' during the film's final act. If you've seen 'Titanic' (who hasn't?), then you'll immediately recognize the scenes I'm referring to. I rather enjoyed this film.

Nobody saves Leningrad in the movie as the whole action takes places during approach of German army. Other than that, it is hard to believe it was made in 2019 as it is lowly propaganda of the worst kind. Communist Soviet Union made much better and truthful war movies. Any redeeming value is lost due to obvious steals from Titanic. Avoid at all cost.