A Russian Youth

A Russian Youth is a gripping and intense movie that was released in 2019, taking us on a compelling journey through Russia's history during World War I. It was directed by Alexander Zolotukhin. The cast of the film is led by Vladimir Korolev, Mikhail Buturlov, and Artem Leshik, who deliver convincing performances that truly bring the story and its characters to life. Though set against the backdrop of a global calamity, the film manages to paint an intimate portrait of its main character, effectively capturing the shift in his life and the immense challenges he has to face as a result of the war.

The narrative revolves around a young Russian boy who spontaneously decides to leave his village and join the Russian army. The protagonist, played by Vladimir Korolev, personifies the harsh reality of thousands of Russian youths during World War I. Without any prior military training or exposure, he is thrust into the battlefield and forced to acclimatize to the brutalities of war. His experiences are made particularly harrowing by the fact that early in the war he loses his sight from a piece of shrapnel.

So begins a tale of courage, resilience, and survival as the young boy is made a 'listener' for incoming enemy planes – an endeavor that vividly showcases human determination amidst adversity. His sightless world is filled with the roar of explosions and the whistling of bullets, but it is also through these overwhelming experiences that he attains a new sense of understanding and purpose.

Mikhail Buturlov and Artem Leshik play supporting roles, and their performances lend additional weight and complexity to the film. They play characters that the young boy crosses paths with on the battlefield, each with their own hardships and perspectives on the devastating war that surrounds them.

This war film is unique in its approach, choosing to explore the mind of its protagonist more than the battlefield. The subjectivity of the 'listener' is captured through some excellent sound design that is unnerving yet emotionally powerful at certain points. The haunting background score adds depth to the tense atmosphere, while carefully constructed visuals provide a stark portrayal of the ravages of war.

A Russian Youth ventures beyond a regular war film in its depiction of the psychological and emotional strains of its characters, investing as much importance in the internal conflicts as in the external ones. The poetic and enigmatic narrative style might be an unconventional choice for a war genre film, yet it beautifully compliments the subject matter.

Alexander Zolotukhin showcases his storytelling prowess by incorporating symbolic visuals and realistic soundscapes to extract raw emotion from the audience. Zolotukhin's use of black and white imaging exhibits his keen understanding of cinema and visual storytelling, with the colourless frames well suited to the grim mood that pervades the film.

A Russian Youth is not simply a historical depiction of Russia during World War I, but a profound exploration into war's influence on individuals. Rather than displaying the macro impact of war, the film meticulously focuses on how it intrudes into the lives of ordinary people, shattering their peace and changing their lives forever.

Despite being a native Russian film, A Russian Youth transcends geographical boundaries with its universal themes and humanist approach, making it an engaging and worthwhile watch for audiences worldwide. It challenges and redefines the war genre, providing viewers with a chance to think deeply about the cost of war to individuals and communities.

In conclusion, A Russian Youth is not just a cinematic experience, but a soul-stirring journey that offers an absorbing tale of hope, bravery, and human resilience set against a backdrop of historical upheaval. By choosing to emphasize the human element amidst the chaos and destruction of war, the film leaves its viewers with a lasting impression and a fresh perspective on the genre.