Watch Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia

Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia from 2006 is a historical documentary that recounts the events of the Winter War, fought between Finland and the Soviet Union in 1939-1940. The film is directed by Brian McKenna and produced by White Pine Pictures. The movie features a combination of archival footage, re-enactments, and interviews with historians and veterans from both sides of the conflict. The film's central point of view is that of the Finnish fighters, who are portrayed as brave and resourceful in the face of overwhelming odds.

The Winter War began on November 30, 1939, when the Soviet Union launched a massive invasion of Finland. The Finnish army was outnumbered and outgunned, but it had the advantage of fighting on its own terrain, which was covered with snow and forests. The movie emphasizes the harshness of the winter conditions and the difficulty of moving troops and supplies through the snow.

The Finnish strategy was to fight a guerrilla war, using small units of soldiers to harass the Soviet troops and disrupt their supply lines. This strategy was successful in the first weeks of the war, as the Soviet troops were poorly trained and led. However, the Soviet Union soon sent in more troops and better equipment, including tanks and aircraft.

The movie depicts several key battles of the Winter War, including the Battle of Suomussalmi and the Siege of the Hanko Peninsula. The Finnish soldiers are shown using ski troops, snipers, and molotov cocktails to inflict heavy losses on the Soviet army. The Soviet soldiers, meanwhile, are portrayed as faceless and merciless, bombing Finnish towns and executing prisoners.

The movie also explores the political context of the Winter War. The Soviet Union, under the leadership of Joseph Stalin, saw Finland as a potential buffer zone against Nazi Germany. Finland, however, saw itself as a sovereign nation and refused to surrender to Soviet demands. The movie highlights the courage of Finnish President Risto Ryti, who refused to sign a treaty that would have ceded Finnish territory to the Soviet Union.

The movie does not shy away from the human cost of the Winter War. Both Finnish and Soviet soldiers are shown as dying in large numbers, and civilians are shown fleeing their homes and facing hunger and cold. The movie also explores the war's psychological toll, as soldiers are shown struggling with fear, exhaustion, and disillusionment.

The Winter War ended on March 13, 1940, with a Soviet victory. Finland was forced to cede territory to the Soviet Union and pay heavy war reparations. However, the movie suggests that the Finnish spirit of resistance had a lasting impact on the country's identity. The narrator states that "the Winter War remains a source of pride for Finland, a symbol of national resilience and courage."

Overall, Fire and Ice: The Winter War of Finland and Russia is a well-made and informative documentary that sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of World War II. It is a testament to the bravery and endurance of the Finnish fighters, who fought against all odds to defend their country's sovereignty. The movie is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of World War II or the struggles of small nations against great powers.