Watch Chronicle of Flaming Years

Chronicle of Flaming Years is a 1961 Soviet war drama directed by Yuli Raizman. The movie, set in the years of 1941-1944, depicts the events of the Soviet resistance and their struggles against German occupation during World War II. The movie opens with the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, and the action takes place in a small Ukrainian village. A group of young people, led by a local communist activist Andrey (Boris Andreyev), forms a partisan unit to fight against the Germans. They begin by carrying out small-scale sabotage operations, stealing weapons, and attacking German patrols.

The protagonist, Andrey, is a charismatic and brave leader who constantly risks his life to carry out daring missions behind the enemy lines. Despite the danger, he never loses faith in the ultimate victory of the Soviet cause. He is joined by his close friend, Matvey (Sergei Lukyanov), and his lover, Natasha (Tatiana Samoilova), a local schoolteacher who becomes a nurse in the partisans' hospital.

As the war progresses, the partisans' struggle becomes more desperate, and they are forced to rely on the help of local villagers. Despite German efforts to terrorize the locals and quell resistance, more people join the ranks of the partisans. The villagers provide food, shelter, and information, risking their own lives in the process.

In one of the most powerful scenes of the movie, Andrey and his comrades receive a visit from a group of orphaned children. The children tell them the story of a young partisan who was betrayed by a local collaborator and executed by the Germans. The partisan's last words to the children were: "Avenge me, children, avenge me." Andrey promises the children that their comrade's death will not be in vain.

As the war draws to a close, the partisans launch a major attack on a German supply train. The attack is successful, but Andrey is fatally wounded in the battle. In his last moments, he asks Matvey to take care of Natasha and to continue the fight.

The movie ends with a scene of victory over the defeated Nazis, followed by a tribute to the Soviet soldiers who gave their lives for their country. The final words of the movie are: "The fire in the heart of Soviet people will never be extinguished."

Overall, Chronicle of Flaming Years is a powerful and moving tribute to the Soviet resistance and their heroic struggle against the Nazi occupation. The movie is notable for its realistic portrayal of the conflict and the complex relationships between the partisans, the villagers, and the Germans. The acting is superb, particularly by Boris Andreyev, who gives a memorable performance as the brave and determined Andrey. The movie is a must-see for anyone interested in World War II history and the Soviet Union's contribution to the Allied victory.