Alexandra

Alexandra, released in 2007, is a pivotal Russian language film directed by Alexander Sokurov. This deeply emotional and engaging drama showcases the new face of Russian cinema with its profound storytelling that is centered around the universal themes of love, pain, human relationships, war, and peace. The film stars the renowned Russian opera star Galina Vishnevskaya, in her first significant role in cinema.

The unique feature of this film is its unconventional choice of protagonist. The titular character, Alexandra, is an elderly woman, a character much older than typical cinema protagonists. Alexandra is perfectly portrayed by Vishnevskaya with a depth and a rawness that convincingly brings out the spirit of an aged grandmother hardened by the trials of her life.

Alexandra Nikolaevna (played by Vishnevskaya) visits her grandson Denis (played by Vasily Shevtsov), a lieutenant in the Russian army, who is stationed at a remote Chechen outpost during the Chechen conflict. This sets the pace for the film, which turns the grim realities of war into an intimate exploration of human relationships and the everyday life of ordinary people coping in extreme circumstances.

Indeed, Alexandra's journey into the heart of the war zone forms the crux of this film. The setting of the military camp allows for the exploration of the day-to-day life of the soldiers, yet it is Alexandra's reactions to the unfamiliar surroundings of the arid, strife-torn Chechen landscape and the personal experiences of her grandson that brings a powerful nuance to the narrative.

Throughout the journey, Alexandra meets and interacts with various characters—fellow soldiers, local vendors, and Chechen civilians. These interactions provide a personal perspective and a human face to the frequently dehumanized narrative of war, offering a stark portrayal of the realities faced by those who live through it.

In a striking scene, Alexandra visits a local market and gets to know a Chechen woman (Raisa Gichaeva). Although they do not share a common language, they communicate through the universal language of human emotions and mutual respect. These scenes symbolize the contrasting tales of everyday personal lives amidst the turbulence of a war-torn environment.

Despite the stark and tense atmosphere, Alexandra is not a war film per se. In fact, it primarily stands out as a unique exploration of the human spirit against overwhelming odds. Sokurov gives a humanistic touch to the movie by focusing on genuine human emotions and interactions rather than the destructions by the cannons and rifles.

The cinematography and sound design of the movie are exquisitely done, further adding to the immersive experience. The desolate landscape of the war-torn territories, the endless stretches of military camps, and the overall quietness broken only by the distant sounds of war, all contribute to the raw and realistic atmosphere.

The film touches profoundly on age and mortality, as well. Alexandra—old, frail, yet resilient— becomes a symbol of indomitable human spirit, showing us that even amidst the desolation and chaos of war, there exists the possibility of love, understanding, and connection.

In conclusion, Alexandra is neither just a war film nor a traditional family-based drama. It is a fusion of both, narrating an intricate tale of familial bond, love, loss, and survival in a war environment. It is a cinematic experience that uses minimalistic storytelling combined with an unparalleled aura of authenticity to narrate a tale that is both deeply personal and universally significant. It is a film that serves as a testament to the power of cinema to tell complex stories about ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, leaving an indelible impact on the viewer's mind.