Watch The Battalion

The Battalion, released in 2015, is a Russian war film that tells the story of a group of female soldiers during World War I. The film is directed by Dmitriy Meskhiev and stars Lesya Andreeva, Mariya Antonova, and Mariya Aronova in the leading roles. The story starts with the outbreak of World War I, and the Russian Empire's decision to call upon its citizens to defend the country. Thousands of men were drafted into the army, but it wasn't enough. The government realized that they needed more soldiers to fight on the front lines, and they decided to enlist women.

The Battalion follows the story of Maria Bochkareva (played by Lesya Andreeva), a brave and determined peasant girl who joins the Russian Women's Battalion of Death. The battalion was formed by Maria's initiative, and it consisted of volunteers from all walks of life who wanted to defend their motherland.

Maria's journey starts with a grueling physical training that she and the other recruits have to undergo. They are subjected to intense drills and exercises, with the aim of turning them into strong and disciplined soldiers. The training scenes are a highlight of the movie, as we see the women push themselves to their limits, proving that they are just as capable as any man.

After several months of training, the battalion is sent to the front lines, where they face the brutal reality of war. The battalion's first mission is to capture a fortified German position, which they do with great success. However, they soon find themselves outnumbered and outgunned by the enemy.

Despite the hardships, the women of the battalion refuse to back down. They fight tooth and nail, determined to defend their country and their loved ones. Maria becomes a motherly figure to the other soldiers, encouraging them to stay strong and reminding them of the importance of their mission.

At the same time, the movie also explores the personal lives of the soldiers. We see Maria's relationship with her husband, who is also fighting on the front lines, and the bond she forms with her comrades. There is also a romantic subplot between two of the soldiers, which adds a touch of heart to the movie.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the horrors of war. We see the soldiers facing the danger of artillery bombardments, gas attacks, and hand-to-hand combat. The brutal realities of the battlefield are not sugarcoated, and the film doesn't shy away from depicting the consequences of war.

Overall, The Battalion is an engaging and emotional war movie that celebrates the courage and bravery of the women who fought for their country during World War I. The performances by the leading actresses are excellent, and the film is expertly directed, with breathtaking cinematography and stunning visuals. It's a must-watch for fans of war movies, and anyone who is interested in World War I history.