Chapaev

While watching Chapaev, I found the film to be thoroughly enjoyable and also could understand why it was such a hit with the Russian public. Whereas Battleship Potemkin bombed at the box office, Chapaev portrayed an account in history with characters that the public could relate to, peasant and worker alike. Besides being made with sound, the story was easily understood and allowed the uneducated to be entertained without hidden themes or meanings. It also led the older generation to reminisce of the Civil War days and aided in the youth to understand a time that meant so much to their elders and future.
This film is action packed and suspenseful, while displaying softer aspects in its characters. The main character and commander, General Vasily Ivanovich Chapaev, was stern, powerful, as well as quick tempered, but maintained a sense of humor and love for his comrades. The relationship between Petka and Anka also brings a sort of romantic side into the story. While all this fighting and killing is taking place, they have their love and a bright future to look forward to. (Unfortunately Petka has to go and get himself killed.)
Another aspect from the movie that I really took pleasure in was the fact that it was made with the use of sound. My attention was glued to the screen and I followed the storyline without having to use my imagination, as with silent films. I also enjoyed hearing the Russian songs in Chapaev. While all the men sang along, I got a sense of brotherhood and equality within the Red Army.