Only Old Men Are Going to Battle

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is an iconic Ukrainian war drama from 1974, masterfully crafted by director and lead actor Leonid Bykov, alongside co-stars Sergey Podgornyy and Sergei Ivanov. Considered a classic of Soviet cinema, the film paints an intricate, humane portrait of World War II through the perspective of two pilot regiments and their shared camaraderie, struggles, and heroism.

The film's narrative follows the life in a fighter squadron of the Soviet Air Forces during the Great Patriotic War, also known as World War II. An unconventional approach is employed by Bykov when weaving the narrative for Only Old Men Are Going to Battle. Instead of focusing merely on the grand exploits of war, Bykov delves into the microcosm of the men, their interactions, their quirks, their dreams, their loves, expanding the concept of heroism beyond the battlefield.

The character-driven storytelling is centered around Maestro, played by Leonid Bykov himself. Maestro is the squadron's leader, a man of strong principles, wit, and charisma. He is both a strict commander and a caring and protective 'elder brother' to his subordinates. He is also a passionate musician, and music forms a significant backdrop to the mood and flow of the storyline. Through Maestro’s character, viewers are connected to the heart of the squadron, and by extension, the broader landscape of the war.

Sergey Podgornyy and Sergei Ivanov have delivered powerful performances as frontline pilots, personifying the courage, vulnerability, and grit of the soldiers. Bykov, Podgornyy, and Ivanov demonstrate an exceptional understanding of their characters, bringing authenticity and depth to their roles. Their camaraderie and interactions provide a humane portrayal of war heroes, often contradicting the conventional monolithic image of soldiers.

The movie breaks the mold of traditional war narratives through its memorable and hellishly catchy musical interludes. Music plays a key role in setting the tone and reinforcing the central themes of the movie. Popular wartime songs have not just been used as a means to create a historical atmosphere but also serve a dual purpose as an emotive narrative tool, reflecting the spirit, frustration, and occasionally, the bittersweet humor of the soldiers. The music softly underscores the stark realities of war, bridging the gap between the battlefield and the men's longing for normalcy and peace.

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is not just a war-drama but an unconventional musical. It stands out both for its use of songs to convey the daily life of wartime pilots and its ability to use music as a subtle instrument to highlight the depth of the experiences these men and women were living through. The title of the film itself is a line taken from a popular wartime song and hints at the importance of music in the film.

Artfully balanced between the poignant and the humorous, the film is filled with iconic, quotable lines, and moments of levity amid tension and heartbreak. It provides a rare, personalized wartime narrative with emotional depth often lacking in the larger-than-life war portrayals. The film is masterful, not only because it evokes the realities of war but also because it encapsulates the human spirit's enduring resilience in the face of such realities.

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle might seem like a war film on the surface, but it is far more than that. It is a study of people, their strengths, weaknesses, fears and hopes. It presents a group of people that stand together, not simply out of necessity, but because of their shared humanity, interwoven through their songs, their stories and their lived experiences.

Through this movie, Leonid Bykov deeply humanizes the pilots whilst fully acknowledging their position as heroes. His portrayal serves to remind us that heroes are not simply flawless icons, but people who bravely face the turmoil of their times while keeping hold of their shared humanity.

Only Old Men Are Going to Battle is an emotionally charged, musically enriched expedition into the heart of war and the people who bravely endure it. It is an important piece of cinematic history, a touching war drama that is a must-watch for anyone interested in WWII, character-driven storytelling, or the power of music to convey emotion and humanity.