The Ascent

The Ascent is a 1977 Soviet film directed by Larisa Shepitko. This gripping war drama featuring an extraordinary cast, including Boris Plotnikov, Vladimir Gostyukhin, and Sergey Yakovlev, is largely considered one of the greatest war movies ever made. It chronicles the heart-wrenching experiences of World War II soldiers stranded in Belarus during the biggest global conflict in history. The film was the last one directed by Shepitko before her untimely death and remains her most celebrated work.

The film is set in the deep, incessant winters of occupied Belarus during World War II. The narrative centers on two partisans, played by Boris Plotnikov (Sotnikov) and Vladimir Gostyukhin (Rybak), both offering phenomenal performances. As they try to find food in the snow-covered wilderness, they're confronted by obstacles and severe hardships that test not just their physical endurance but their moral and spiritual resilience as well. The landscape, blanketed in white, harsh, and unforgiving, is portrayed as a pivotal character, shaping the course of the narrative and echoing the grim realities of war.

The film's narrative delves into the depths of the human psyche, showcasing the resilience and frailty of the human spirit under extreme conditions. It explores the characters' moral responsibilities and choices, where their decisions have far-reaching implications. The title itself, "The Ascent," stands as a metaphor for the characters' journey through trials and tribulations, challenging their beliefs, humanity, and ultimately their sense of self.

Director Shepitko, with her hallmark storytelling prowess, captures the harsh realities of the war-stricken environment and the complicated emotional landscape of her characters. Shepitko's direction excels in depicting the internal struggle within the main characters, showcasing their journey of sacrifice, redemption, and despair.

Boris Plotnikov's portrayal of Sotnikov is a masterwork of cinematic performance. Sotnikov is shown as the more sensitive and introspective character, a reluctant war participant struggling with the harsh realities of his situation. Plotnikov's portrayal encapsulates both strength and vulnerability, lending his character an unusual depth. Meanwhile, Gostyukhin's portrayal of Rybak is the perfect foil to Sotnikov. Rybak is more pragmatic and seemingly unshakeable. Gostyukhin's performance casts an intriguing light on the human survival instinct and its potential to drive individuals to unexpected ends.

Sergey Yakovlev stars in a noteworthy supporting role, his understated performance adding a further layer to the film's multi-dimensional character study. The relations among the three characters offer a canvas on which the narratives of war, friendship, survival, betrayal, and courage are interwoven, creating an emotional environment as bleak and foreboding as the physical one through which the characters trudge.

The cinematography of The Ascent holds a unique place in cinematic history. The film is shot entirely in black and white, an artistic choice that heightens the starkness of the plot and underlines the moral dilemmas of the characters. The film employs extreme close-ups, high contrast lighting, and stark framing, highlighting the internal conflict of the characters and amplifying the emotional impact. The snow-laden landscapes, depicted in their harsh beauty, create an atmospheric backdrop that intensifies the overall dramatic force of the piece.

The Ascent is further elevated by its haunting musical score. Composed by Alfred Schnittke, the music underscores the grim reality of the plot while adding a haunting, elegiac quality to the film. The sounds of the harsh winter winds interspersed with Schnittke's poignant score create an ambience that embodies the despair, resilience, and fortitude that mark the human condition under brutal circumstances.

In conclusion, The Ascent is an exploration of humanity under the harshest conditions where decisions are a matter of life and death. The film, as its title suggests, captures the ascent of the human spirit amidst the challenges of a war-stricken environment. Shepitko's cinematic genius in weaving this tale of spiritual and moral dilemma has left an indelible imprint on war cinema, making The Ascent a must-watch for fans of world cinema and those intrigued by the human spirit's capacity to endure and survive.