Watch Siberiade

Siberiade is a sprawling, epic Russian film from 1979 that spans several generations of a family in Siberia, following their struggles and triumphs over a period of nearly a century. Director Andrei Konchalovsky's ambitious work explores the ways that the Soviet Union's rapid industrialization impacted life in remote areas like Siberia, as well as the bonds of family and community that endured through economic and political upheaval.

The film opens in the early 1900s, with the arrival of a team of surveyors who are tasked with constructing a railway through the Siberian wilderness. Among them is a young engineer named Abakumov (Nikita Mikhalkov), who quickly becomes enamored with a local woman, Ustya (Lyudmila Gurchenko). Despite the disapproval of her father (played by Vitali Solomin), the two eventually marry and have children. Over the next several decades, we watch as Abakumov and his family struggle to adapt to the many changes that are occurring around them.

As the railway is built and industrialization sets in, the film demonstrates the divide between the ideals of the Soviet government and the lived reality of rural Siberians. Many of the locals are more interested in hunting and fishing than in working in the state-run factories, and the film portrays the often-brutal tactics used by the government to force compliance. At the same time, there is a sense of pride and accomplishment in seeing the region develop and modernize, and the film does not shy away from celebrating human achievement in the face of adversity.

Siberiade is a highly symbolic movie, filled with natural imagery and metaphorical sequences. The constant presence of the Siberian wilderness serves as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the people who inhabit it, as well as a contrast to the rapid technological progress occurring around them. There is also a recurring motif of water as a transformative force, whether it be a river that brings new life or a dam that destroys a village.

Despite its grand scale and themes, the film never loses sight of its characters as individuals with their own unique struggles and journeys. One of the most compelling storylines follows the rivalry between two families, the Solomins and the Ustyuzhanins, which spans multiple generations and encompasses themes of tradition versus progress, honor, and betrayal. The performances across the board are excellent, with special mention going to Mikhalkov and Solomin, who both bring nuance and complexity to their roles.

Siberiade is a film that rewards patience and investment, as its long runtime and intricate plotting can be challenging to follow at times. However, for those willing to commit to its scope, it is a rich and rewarding experience that offers insight into a fascinating period of history and a unique culture. The film's score, composed by Eduard Artemyev, is also a treat, featuring a mix of traditional Russian folk music and avant-garde electronic sounds.

Like many Soviet films of its era, Siberiade was subject to censorship and controversy upon its release, with government officials objecting to its depiction of the harsh realities of life under communism. However, it went on to win numerous awards and recognition internationally, cementing its status as a masterpiece of Russian cinema. Even today, over 40 years later, it remains a fascinating and potent exploration of human resilience, family bonds, and the struggle to reconcile tradition and progress.

Siberiade is a 1979 war movie with a runtime of 4 hours and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.