Adventure, drama. Another old picture that I would hardly have found myself if not for the help of a person knowledgeable in Soviet cinema, for which I thank him again. And the topic raised here does not very often flash in the cinema - about polar explorers, or about the brave conquerors of the Far North. I looked at the picture with pleasure - and was satisfied. And here's my brief opinion for you - Komsomol members are conquering the Arctic. I will note right away that there are no minuses in the picture, and there never was and never will be, and obvious combined shooting, rustic scenery, and frankly shitty sound (in some moments) cannot be considered a minus a priori, because the picture was shot in the mid-thirties of the last century, when technologies were not as advanced as they are now. Therefore, I will focus your attention on the advantages of this picture.
So, here they are:
1. Scenario - the picture tells about a generation of romantics - the first Komsomol members who built a Great Power with their own hands - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, which had to endure terrible trials, but which it successfully endured. And here we are talking about seven Komsomol members who, at the call of the party, went to the Far North for the first winter, and thereby laid the foundations for studying the Arctic, on the basis of which Russian science and technology is still based. These pioneers have endured severe trials: very low temperatures, the loss of comrades, the establishment of life in these harsh lands, scientific research. At the same time, the interaction with the local native population is perfectly shown (which we did not destroy like the star stripes, but lived peacefully side by side with them, introduced them to civilization, while preserving their culture and customs). Komsomol members are the main characters whose hands and minds mastered the Soviet Arctic, and who have earned eternal glory for themselves. Each of the heroes is useful in this matter, each has his own skills that benefit the Country of the Soviets, each of them is ready to give even his life for the prosperity of our Motherland. In short, if you are tired of the same type of scenarios and boring characters, then pay attention to this picture.
2. Humor - even in this adventure drama there was a place for humor. There is not much of it, but it is clearly appropriate, and it dilutes the harsh everyday life of the Far North quite well.
3. Atmosphere - it's amazing how, with the help of primitive technologies of the thirties, the creators of the picture managed to drive the viewer into the atmosphere of the Far North so that even now, when viewing, you feel a chill on the back from the camera views and harsh trials and heroic achievements. Although this is not surprising, because the picture was shot in the Arkhangelsk region, and very close to the places where young Komsomol members began conquering the Arctic. My respects!
4. Acting - the Soviet theater school is not a modern Moscow Art Theater. Then they taught in such a way that you will remember for the rest of your life. All the actors behave naturally, the dialogues are perfectly written, there are no unnecessary pauses, antics, body language sometimes shows more than a hundred replicas.
A little about the main characters:
1. Ilya Letnikov performed by Nikolai Bogolyubov is the head of the winter quarters and the leader of our heroes. Sometimes he is harsh, but he is fair, he stands up for all his comrades like a mountain. Nikolai Ivanovich excellently succeeded in this role. Bravo!
2. Moliboga performed by Pyotr Aleynikov is the seventh Komsomol member who made his way to Letnikov's squad by secret paths. A brave, determined guy who became an excellent cook, and so well diluted the general atmosphere with his jokes. To Peter Martynovich I can only say "Bravo!"
3. Zhenya Okhrimenko, performed by Tamara Makarova, is a doctor of the Komsomol detachment, who has repeatedly saved her comrades and not only, a strong-minded girl, at the same time a gentle and vulnerable soul, who is not alien to the sense of beauty. Tamara Fyodorovna coped with the role no less successfully than her colleagues. Bravo!
I forgot to mention that the director and screenwriter of this picture was Sergey Gerasimov. Yes, the same Gerasimov, who will put the best film adaptations of the books "Young Guard" and "Quiet Don" on the Earth plan, and will shoot a number of other successful films, for which he will be remembered forever.
As a result, it has an excellent adventure drama about Soviet polar explorers, with an excellent script, a great atmosphere, good humor, and great acting.
My rating is 9 out of 10 and my recommendation for viewing!
