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First Squad is a 2009 animated feature film directed by Yoshiharu Ashino, produced by Studio 4°C, and released by Anchor Bay Entertainment. Set in the backdrop of World War II, the movie follows a young woman named Nadya, who is recruited by a special Soviet force known as the "First Squad" to save her fallen comrades and unravel a dark secret.

The story begins in the year 1941, when Hitler's army begins to invade the Soviet territory. Nadya, a young girl with psychic abilities, is captured by the Germans during an attack on her village. Her father, who is part of the Soviet army, is killed during the attack, and Nadya is taken to a secret laboratory in Berlin. There, she is forced to use her powers to help the German army win the war. However, Nadya's mother, who also possesses psychic abilities, manages to contact the First Squad, a group of elite soldiers with paranormal abilities, to rescue her daughter.

The team consists of members with unique abilities such as telepathy, precognition, and the power to communicate with the dead. They are led by Major Alexei, a battle-hardened soldier who lost his younger sister during a previous mission. The squad's mission is to enter the world of the dead and retrieve the souls of fallen Soviet soldiers who can provide intel to defeat the Germans.

Joining the squad is Nadya, who agrees to help the team in exchange for their help in rescuing her dead father's soul. Together, they embark on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines to retrieve a mystical artifact that gives its user the power to control and manipulate the dead.

The film's narrative is a mixture of supernatural and historical elements, blending the reality of the war with the world of the occult. The First Squad uses their abilities to fight against the Germans, but they also have to face their inner demons and past traumas. As they delve deeper into the mystic realm, they also uncover the truth behind the artifact and the sinister purpose it serves.

First Squad's animation style is a unique combination of traditional hand-drawn animation and 3D computer graphics. The character designs take inspiration from the Soviet propaganda art of the time, while the use of vivid colors and shadows adds to the film's dark and supernatural atmosphere. The film's action scenes are fast-paced and visually stunning, making use of each character's abilities to create unique battle strategies.

One of the film's strengths lies in its portrayal of the bleak reality of war. First Squad depicts the horrors of war through scenes of violence, death, and destruction, but it also shows the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The team's camaraderie and determination to complete their mission even when faced with impossible odds are a testament to the bravery of the Soviet soldiers during World War II.

In conclusion, First Squad is a captivating and visually striking film that manages to combine supernatural elements with historical accuracy. Its unique blend of action, drama, and horror creates an immersive experience that will leave the viewer on the edge of their seat. With its rich character development, emotive storytelling, and engaging animation, First Squad is a must-see for fans of animated films and war dramas alike.

First Squad is a 2009 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.