Watch The Battle of Kerzhenets

The Battle of Kerzhenets is a 1971 Soviet film which tells a story of the great battle that took place in 1238 near the town of Kerzhenets, between Mongolian-Tatar armies commanded by Batu Khan and Russian troops led by Yuri Vsevolodovich. The film is directed by Yevgeny Matveev and stars Nikolai Yeryomenko Jr. as Yuri Vsevolodovich.

The film is based on the famous Russian epic "The Tale of the Battle of Kerzhenets," which tells about the heroic defense of the small Russian town against the Mongol-Tatars. The film is set during the Mongol-Tatar invasion of Russia, which began in 1237, and was one of the most brutal periods in Russian history. Batu Khan was the leader of the Mongol army, which swept across Russia with ruthless force, burning cities, destroying towns and executing anyone who opposed them. In this film, we see how the Russian troops, led by Yuri Vsevolodovich, attempted to stop the Mongol-Tatar army from taking Kerzhenets.

Throughout the film, we see the tension between the two armies as they prepare for battle. The Russian troops are vastly outnumbered, but they are determined to protect their town and their people. The Mongol-Tatar army is equally determined to take the town and destroy the Russian troops. Eventually, the two armies clash in a fierce battle, which lasts for several days.

The film vividly portrays the horrors of the war. We see the Russian people fleeing their homes, the soldiers fighting for their lives, and the town being engulfed in flames. The battle scenes are well-done, capturing the chaos and confusion of the battlefield. The director also portrays the sense of duty and honor that the soldiers display in the face of certain death.

One of the most notable aspects of The Battle of Kerzhenets is the soundtrack. The film features a hauntingly beautiful score by composer Kirill Molchanov. The music is highly emotive, with a mixture of orchestral and traditional Russian folk themes. There are several lyrical passages in the score which emphasize the beauty of the Russian landscape and the courage of the Russian people. The music adds greatly to the atmosphere of the film, enhancing the emotional impact of the battle scenes.

The performances in the film are generally good, with Nikolai Yeryomenko Jr. standing out as the brave and stoic Yuri Vsevolodovich. He delivers a deeply affecting performance, exuding a sense of integrity and courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. The other actors in the film also give solid performances, with many showing a convincing sense of terror as the horrors of war unfold around them.

In conclusion, The Battle of Kerzhenets is a compelling and moving film which presents a powerful story about the courage of the Russian people in the face of overwhelming adversity. The film is notable for its haunting musical score, intense battle scenes, and strong performances by the cast. It is a worthy representation of the famous Russian epic and an excellent example of Russian filmmaking from the late Soviet period.