Watch Only Old Men Are Going to Battle

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is a 1974 Soviet war drama that follows the story of an unlikely group of pilots during World War II. The film is set in 1942 and follows the fate of the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, an all-female regiment in the Russian Air Force. The story is based on a true event of the regiment, where they managed to bomb a German airfield in spite of the inexperience of the pilots and the outdated aircraft they had at their disposal.

The movie begins with the regiment being led by the tough and fearless Captain Nadezhda Petrovna Vaskova (played by Evgeniya Simonova), who is also known as the "Night Witch". The film then shifts to a group of male pilots who are stationed near the all-female regiment. The male pilots are led by the seasoned veteran Major Ivan Fyodorovich Yermakov (Leonid Bykov).

Major Yermakov's unit consists of old and experienced pilots who are not given the opportunity to fight in combat anymore but are tasked with training younger pilots. The old pilots are frustrated with their situation and yearn for their glory days when they were in the thick of the battle. They recognize that the women's regiment is actively fighting and they feel like they are being left behind.

Despite their differences and initial skepticism of each other, Major Yermakov's unit and Captain Vaskova's regiment quickly come together to form an alliance. The two units set out to destroy a nearby German airfield, but their mission is made difficult by the inexperienced pilots and outdated aircraft. The pilots must rely on their wit and cunning to succeed in the face of adversity. The men and women bond over their common goal of beating the Germans and their shared love of flying.

Throughout the film, the audience witnesses the challenges the pilots face in combating the Germans. The pilots' love for flying keeps them motivated and hungry for the chance to show their competence to the government that has forgotten about them. They are still able to complete their mission despite the odds and against all expectations.

The story also delves into the everyday lives of the pilots, in between battles. They attend makeshift shows or visit restaurants, hoping to alleviate the stress from their demanding jobs. These moments provide a much-needed respite from the war, and the viewer is able to see how the pilots come together to support each other.

With solid performances from all actors, Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is a thrilling and emotional film that offers a unique perspective on World War II. The film highlights the strength and bravery of the pilots, but it also delves into their vulnerabilities and emotions. It's a touching tribute to the people who fought in the war and the sacrifices they had to make.

Overall, Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is a powerful and poignant film that stands the test of time. The plot is gripping, the acting is exceptional, and the message is timeless. The movie is both thought-provoking and entertaining, and it's a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies or Russian cinema.

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is a 1974 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.