Watch Outskirts

Outskirts is a Soviet film released in 1933 that chronicles the lives of a Russian village during World War I. The film, directed by Boris Barnet and written by Konstantin Finn, explores the changing dynamics of a small community as they come face-to-face with the harsh realities of war. The film begins by introducing us to a group of young boys who spend their days stealing eggs and playing pranks on the villagers. However, their carefree existence is short-lived as war erupts and brings with it a new sense of urgency and fear. The villagers are quickly conscripted into the military to fight against the German forces on the front lines.

Despite being set during World War I, Outskirts is less concerned with depicting the actual fighting and more interested in showcasing the impact of war on the daily lives of rural villagers. We see how the war disrupts the community's usual routines and traditions, and how it forces them to confront difficult new challenges. For example, the women who are left behind must adapt to a new way of life, taking on new roles as they manage the farms and provide for their families.

The film also explores the challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines. We see the brutal and senseless nature of war, as troops are sent on dangerous missions with little hope of survival. The soldiers also grapple with their own mortality and the futility of the conflict they are fighting. Despite their struggles, however, the soldiers never lose their resolve to fight for their country and protect their families.

One of the film's most compelling storylines involves a young woman named Anka, who is left behind by her soldier husband. Anka is forced to take on the role of breadwinner for her family, and we see how this newfound responsibility changes her as a person. She becomes more independent and self-reliant, but also more hardened and jaded. Her interactions with other villagers are marked by a sense of bitterness and resentment, as she struggles to make ends meet without her husband's support.

Despite the somber subject matter, the film features a number of lighthearted moments that help to break up the tension. For example, there is a memorable scene involving several villagers who get drunk and stumble around the village singing drunken songs. These moments of levity serve to highlight the resilience and determination of the village as they try to carry on with their lives despite the chaos and uncertainty of war.

In terms of its cinematography, Outskirts is often praised for its stunning visuals and innovative techniques. The film employs a number of experimental camera angles and editing techniques that were uncommon at the time, including a number of scenes shot from the perspective of a bird flying overhead. The film also features a memorable score, composed by Dmitri Shostakovich, that adds to its sense of drama and urgency.

Overall, Outskirts is a remarkable film that provides a fascinating glimpse into life in rural Russia during World War I. Its portrayal of the impact of war on ordinary people is both poignant and thought-provoking, and its innovative cinematography and memorable score make it a true classic of early Soviet cinema.

Outskirts is a 1933 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.