Watch Paper Soldier

Paper Soldier is a Russian movie set in the early 1960s during the cold war era. The film is directed by Aleksei German Jr. and features Merab Ninidze, Chulpan Khamatova, and Anastasiya Shevelyova in the lead roles. The movie tells the story of a young surgeon, Nikolai Astakhov, who has just been assigned to work at a cosmonaut training base in Soviet Russia. His mission is to prepare Soviet Union's first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, for his journey into space, a mission that is crucial for the country's prestige in the world arena.

Astakhov is passionate about his work and is excited to work with Gagarin, who is a pilot and a cosmonaut candidate. However, Astakhov's enthusiasm is not shared by Gagarin, who is more interested in partying and having fun. This creates a conflict between the two, and Astakhov is forced to confront Gagarin's carelessness and attitude towards his work.

Astakhov's personal life is also in disarray. He is married but has an affair with a young nurse at the training center, Vera. This creates another conflict for Astakhov, who is torn between his love for Vera and his responsibilities towards his wife and family.

The movie showcases the intense pressure and competition that existed during the cold war era, particularly in the race for becoming the first country to send a man into space. The Soviet Union's space program, which is showcased in the movie, was one of the biggest rivalries between the United States and the Soviet Union during the cold war. The movie takes a closer look at the human side of the space race, particularly the impact it had on individuals who were involved in the program.

Paper Soldier is primarily a character-driven movie, and the performances of the lead actors are outstanding. Merab Ninidze, who plays the lead role of Astakhov, delivers a powerful performance, bringing out the complexities of the character. Chulpan Khamatova, who plays Astakhov's wife, Maria, also delivers a great performance, capturing the pain and suffering of a woman who is left alone while her husband is busy pursuing his dreams.

The movie also includes some stunning cinematography, particularly the scenes that take place in a forest near the training center. The forest scenes are beautifully shot and convey the sense of isolation and loneliness that the characters feel.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it explores relationships, particularly those between Astakhov and Gagarin, Astakhov and Vera, and Astakhov and Maria. The relationships are complicated and nuanced, and the movie does an excellent job of exploring their underlying emotions and motivations.

In conclusion, Paper Soldier is an excellent movie that provides a unique perspective on the cold war era and the space race. The movie's rich characters, stunning cinematography, and exceptional performances make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the subject matter.