Two Russian films

The first is Razzhalovannyi (known in English-speaking countries as Degraded Officer or just Degraded), made for TV and released in 2009. The production company, Phoenix Cinema, has posted it on YouTube here (hit the CC button for subtitles).

This is a mesmerising blend of ultra-realism and nightmare. It is set on the Russian Front in World War Two and explores, among other things, the nature of authority and where the line lies between conscience and the need for a soldier to follow orders. The narrative occupies a day in winter – an implausibly long day, which adds to the sense of unreality. Aleksandr Mikhaylov, in an outstanding performance, portrays the enigmatic central character, who, in the final frames, may or may not be taken to be Charon, the Stygian ferryman.

Another extraordinary film set on the Russian Front is Belyy Tigr (White Tiger, 2012). This also has been posted on YouTube by its makers. It is astounding, one of my top five movies of all time. Let me say nothing more about it, except that you should watch to the very end.