Film Review: Fate of a Man (Sudba cheloveka, 1959)

Sergei Bondarchuk is often heralded as one of the greatest filmmakers of the latter stages of Soviet cinema, a reputation primarily established through his monumental adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace. This historic epic not only garnered an Academy Award but also achieved the distinction of being the most expensive Soviet film ever produced, and arguably, the priciest film of its era. Bondarchuk's ascent to this ambitious project was significantly influenced by the remarkable talent he showcased in his directorial debut, Fate of a Man (also known as The Destiny of a Man). Released in 1959, this war drama, while appearing more intimate compared to his later epic, resonated deeply with both Soviet audiences and international critics alike.

Much like War and Peace, Fate of a Man draws its narrative from a classic piece of Russian literature. However, it is notably shorter than Tolstoy’s extensive novel. The film is adapted from a 1956 short story by Mikhail Sholokhov, who would later receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. Sholokhov's narrative is inspired by his real-life encounter with a man who recounted his tragic and compelling life story.

The plot begins in Spring 1946, just months after the conclusion of World War II, near the city of Uryupinsk. The author, played by Evgeniy Teterin, meets a middle-aged man (played Bondarchuk) and a young boy (Pavel Moriskin) at a river crossing. As they await the arrival of a ferry, the man encourages the boy to play while he shares his life story with the author. The man introduces himself as Andrei Sokolov, born in 1900. He recounts his experiences fighting for the Red Army during the Russian Civil War and enduring personal tragedies during the post-war famine.

Sokolov's life takes a hopeful turn when he becomes a carpenter in Voronezh, where he marries a beautiful woman named Irina (played by Zinaida Kirienko) and starts a family with two daughters and a son. Year pass until their simple and happy life gets shattered by the German invasion of the Soviet Union. Sokolov enlists in the Red Army but soon finds himself wounded and captured by German forces. His harrowing experiences in captivity include brutal treatment by soldiers and witnessing atrocities in concentration camps, where he sees Jews being sent to gas chambers.

As Sokolov is moved from camp to camp, he barely survives harsh conditions in a quarry where many prisoners perish from overwork or execution. Eventually, due to changing war fortunes and German manpower shortage, he is assigned as a chauffeur for a German major (played by Konstantin Alekseev), which provides him with an opportunity for escape. However, upon returning to Soviet lines, he learns that Irina and their daughters have died in an air raid, and tragically, on the war's last day, his son—now an officer—also dies in combat.

Fate of a Man was produced during a transformative period following Stalin’s death known as "Khrushchev’s Thaw." This era was characterised by a slight relaxation of the Communist Party's cultural grip, allowing for greater creative expression among filmmakers. This shift enabled artists to move away from rigid Socialist Realism towards more nuanced portrayals of the Great Patriotic War. Rather than glorifying Soviet victories, filmmakers began to explore the profound sacrifices made by individuals during this tumultuous period. This cultural evolution is evident in films such as The Cranes Are Flying and Ballad of a Soldier, which not only resonated deeply with Soviet audiences but also garnered acclaim from international critics for their innovative storytelling techniques.

Fate of a Man aligns perfectly with this emerging trend in Soviet cinema; it presents a profoundly dark and tragic story that references early Soviet era deprivations like civil war and famine while also depicting early WW2 defeats that resulted in millions of Red Army prisoners. Importantly, it portrays Soviet soldiers as complex individuals rather than mere symbols of collective heroism. The film illustrates how some prisoners reveal deep religious convictions contrary to state atheism while opportunistically try to betray fellow soldiers.

Bondarchuk employs this realist approach to history alongside intriguing directorial choices. While not as stylistically bold as Mikhail Kalatozov’s work in The Cranes Are Flying, Bondarchuk utilises aerial shots, Dutch angles, and impressive tracking shots that enhance the film’s emotional resonance. Notably disturbing scenes depict columns of Jews being led to their deaths—a stark reminder of wartime atrocities—while moments of lyrical introspection occur when Sokolov imagines his family during captivity.

Bondarchuk’s directorial prowess shines even in scenes depicting World War II combat; he seamlessly integrates footage from Stalinist propaganda film The Fall of Berlin. This recycling of material is executed so deftly that only discerning cinephiles might recognise its origins.

However, it is ultimately the acting and script that deliver an emotional punch. Both Bondarchuk and Sholokhov illustrate how individual lives are mercilessly altered by catastrophic events like World War II—fate can be both capricious and cruel.

As a war veteran himself, Bondarchuk brings authenticity to his portrayal of Sokolov—a character who stoically endures unimaginable hardships while occasionally allowing suppressed emotions to surface. This nuanced performance challenges even the most hardened viewers to confront their feelings throughout the film. The supporting cast also excels; many Russian actors convincingly portray German characters while speaking German authentically.

The film reaches an emotional crescendo near its conclusion when Bondarchuk attempts to make sense of relentless tragedies while offering Sokolov some semblance of hope for happiness at last. Although this finale is powerful, it veers into sentimentality reminiscent of silent-era Hollywood films; thus Fate of a Man falls short of perfection.

Nevertheless, this film undeniably solidified Bondarchuk's status among the elite tier of directors within both Soviet cinema and global filmmaking circles at that time. It remains essential viewing for anyone interested in film history or seeking profound narratives about human resilience amidst adversity.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

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