Watch The North Star

The North Star is a war-time movie from 1943 that depicts the struggles of a small Ukrainian village during the German invasion in 1941. The movie was directed by Lewis Milestone and stars Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews and Walter Huston among others. The movie begins with a quaint Ukrainian village, where life has been undisturbed until the German army invades and occupies the area. The villagers, including farmers, craftsmen and intellectuals, are forced to adjust to the harsh new realities of their occupation.

The heart of the movie is the love story between Kolya (Dana Andrews), the village schoolteacher, and Marina (Anne Baxter), a beautiful farm girl. Their love is tested when the Germans demand tribute from the villagers in the form of crops and livestock, which the villagers are unable to meet. Instead, the villagers start a partisan resistance against the Germans, led by grain elevator worker Ivan (Walter Huston). Kolya and his fellow villagers must now fight for their freedom, and Kolya is forced to choose between love and duty.

Throughout the movie, we see how the war affects the villagers' everyday life. The schoolteacher tries to continue classes but is faced with a dwindling number of students as the boys are drafted or flee. The doctor is then forced to treat injuries and illnesses with limited resources. The scenes of the villagers overcoming obstacles, such as a shortage of food and the harsh winter, to continue living their lives with dignity are particularly powerful.

The North Star is also a propaganda film, made during a time when the United States was fighting a war against Germany. The movie has a clear message of patriotism, with the villagers fighting for their homeland and their freedom against the German invaders. The partisan resistance is depicted as heroic, with the villagers banding together to fight for a cause they believe in.

The movie also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation, as the villagers receive help from the Soviet Union, particularly in terms of medical aid. This theme is particularly relevant given the global climate at the time the movie was made.

Despite its status as a propaganda film, The North Star is a powerful and moving movie that highlights the effects of war on ordinary people. The cinematography is spectacular, particularly the cold winter landscapes and the scenes of the villagers' daily lives. The acting is also top-notch, with Anne Baxter and Dana Andrews perfectly portraying the two lovers caught up in the chaos of war.

In conclusion, The North Star is a must-watch film for anyone interested in World War II history, as it captures the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people caught up in the most violent and devastating conflict in history. The message of the movie is clear: war affects everyone, but it also brings out the best in people. While it may not be the most subtle movie ever made, The North Star remains a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one's beliefs and fighting for what is right.

The North Star is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.