Watch Tanks for Stalin

In Tanks for Stalin, set in 1941 during the beginning of the Second World War, the Soviet Union is in a state of chaos as Hitler's armies lay waste to its territories. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Soviet army is still fighting fiercely, and the leadership of the country is doing everything in its power to keep morale high among its soldiers and citizens. One of the ways in which they try to do this is by embarking on a bold project to construct a new model of tank that they hope will give them the upper hand in the war.

The film follows a group of soldiers and engineers who are tasked with designing and building this new type of tank. The leader of this group is a man named Lieutenant Aleksandr Ivushkin, played by Andrey Merzlikin. Ivushkin is a battle-hardened veteran of the war, but he is also a brilliant engineer who is determined to get the job done no matter the cost. Despite being faced with numerous setbacks and challenges, Ivushkin and his team soldier on, putting their lives on the line in order to create what they believe will be a game-changing weapon.

Along the way, Ivushkin forms a close bond with his crew, particularly a young and inexperienced soldier named Stepan Vasilyonok, played by Anton Filipenko. Vasilyonok is initially derided by the rest of the team for his lack of experience and knowledge, but he eventually proves himself to be a valuable member of the group, and even manages to save their lives on more than one occasion. As the team works tirelessly to complete the tank, they must also navigate the treacherous political landscape of wartime Russia, where loyalty is paramount and even the slightest indiscretion can result in serious consequences.

One of the key themes explored in the movie is the idea of sacrifice for the greater good. The characters in Tanks for Stalin are all aware of the risks involved in what they are doing, but they believe that their work is vital to the survival of their country. Throughout the film, we see them making difficult choices and putting their lives on the line in order to achieve their goals. This sense of sacrifice is exemplified by Ivushkin, who is willing to risk everything in order to complete the tank and protect his country. Merzlikin's performance in the role is particularly noteworthy, as he manages to convey both the toughness and the vulnerability of the character with great skill.

Another notable aspect of the movie is its attention to detail when it comes to the technical aspects of tank design and construction. The filmmakers clearly did their homework when it came to researching the history of tank warfare, and this is evident in the way that the tanks themselves are portrayed onscreen. The filmmakers also make effective use of practical effects, which helps to give the film a realistic and gritty feel.

Overall, Tanks for Stalin is a well-crafted movie that offers a compelling look at a little-known aspect of World War II history. The film's impressive attention to detail and strong performances from the cast make it a worthwhile viewing experience for fans of war movies and historical dramas alike.

Tanks for Stalin is a 2018 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.8.