Seven Versts Before Dawn

A somber, slow-burning wartime tragedy that weighs heavy with dread and quiet sacrifice, rewarding patient viewers with a grim, stirring payoff.

Directed by

Alexandr Andreev

Genres

War, History, Drama

Starring

Fyodor Dobronravov, Mariya Shukshina, Victor Dobronravov

Overview

In the early days of the Great Patriotic War old Kuzmich from the village of Kurakino guesses that a long war lies ahead. As the village falls under German occupation and repressions intensify, he keeps aloof, arousing suspicions. Following the execution of fellow villagers and accusations of betrayal, Kuzmich agrees to serve as a guide for the German detachment, ostensibly to get a horse and save his family. In reality, however, he is planning a sacrificial deception: through his grandson Vaska, he conveys information about the enemy's route to the Soviet troops. At the critical moment, Kuzmich leads the German mountain troopers into a trap, repeating the feat of Ivan Susanin. At the cost of his own life the old man leads the enemy to perdition, becoming a symbol of the people's resistance.

How it feels

Earnest, bleak, tense and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

War, survival, betrayal, family

Content

Strong violence. Mild gore and language. No sexual content.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

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