Commissar

Commissar is a poignant and powerful cinematic masterpiece that delves deep into the human experiences of war, motherhood, and the ideological battles of the early 20th century. Released in 1967 and directed by the skilled filmmaker Aleksandr Askoldov, the Russian film is inspired by the short story "In the Town of Berdichev" by Ukrainian author Vasily Grossman. The movie stars the talented Nonna Mordyukova as the main protagonist – a tough and uncompromising Red Army commissar named Klavdia Vavilova.

The narrative is set during the Russian Civil War, a period marked by intense conflict between the Red Army and the White Army, and the film portrays the complexities and chaos that comes with such a backdrop. Mordyukova's character, Klavdia Vavilova, is depicted as a staunch and unwavering agent of the Bolshevik revolution. As a female commissar, her character is emblematic of the period's push towards gender equality, even though the reality was often fraught with contradiction and struggle.

Unexpectedly, Klavdia finds her life taking a dramatic turn when she discovers that she is pregnant. With her pregnancy advancing and the demands of military life becoming increasingly incompatible with her condition, Klavdia is faced with the prospect of temporarily stepping away from her active role in the war. She is subsequently billeted with the family of Yefim Magazannik, played by Rolan Bykov, who is a Jewish craftsman living with his wife Maria (Raisa Nedashkovskaya) and their many children. The Magazannik family provides a stark contrast to the life Klavdia has known up to this point; the familial warmth and the domestic setting pose new challenges and insights for the hardened commissar.

Commissar delves into the interpersonal dynamics between Klavdia and this Jewish household. The family's warmth, humanity, and their own struggles against anti-Semitism provide a foil to the cold, harsh environment of war that Klavdia represents. Throughout her stay with the Magazanniks, audiences witness the tension between Klavdia's role as a soldier, committed to the often brutal ideals of the Bolshevik regime, and her emerging maternal instincts. Nonna Mordyukova delivers a strong performance that captures the internal battle her character faces, mirroring the external struggle between the contrasting ideals of the new society she is helping to forge and the traditional values she’s being exposed to by her hosts.

The film also beautifully explores the themes of family and sacrifice, as Klavdia becomes an integral part of the Magazannik family, developing bonds that transcend politics and war, yet constantly reminded that her duty to the State can summon her back to the battlefield at any moment. The juxtaposition of her military life and the one she starts to experience with the Magazannik family allows the audience to ponder the nature of human connection in times of upheaval.

Although filmed in 1967, Commissar was banned by the Soviet authorities for its frank depiction of Jewish suffering and the controversial themes it broached. Unseen by audiences for many years, it was not until the glasnost era of the late 1980s that the film was finally released and able to be appreciated by viewers and critics alike.

The cinematography in Commissar is both stark and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the era’s landscapes and the emotional tapestry of its characters. Black-and-white imagery is used to great effect, creating a somber and reflective mood that mirrors the gravity of the themes being explored. The visual storytelling is complemented by affecting performances, not least by Mordyukova whose screen presence anchors the narrative with intensity and nuance.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Bykov's portrayal of Yefim showcases a kind of quiet strength and resilience, while Nedashkovskaya embodies the nurturing and loving spirit of Maria with warmth and grace. The children, too, play a significant role in the film, bringing their innocence and lightness into the often grim reality that surrounds them. The interactions between Klavdia and the children offer some of the most tender and moving moments in the film.

Commissar is a film of profound humanity and deep artistic integrity. It grapples with questions that remain relevant: the role of women in society, the impact of ideology on personal lives, and the way war shapes and disrupts human existence. Whether seen as a historical document or a piece of art, Commissar stands as a testament to the enduring power of cinema to confront and reflect upon the most challenging aspects of human experience.