Watch They were nineteen

They were nineteen is a gripping 1968 war drama directed by Leonid Bykov. The film follows a group of young soldiers who are sent to carry out a mission during World War II. The story revolves around a group of five young soldiers who are chosen to carry out a reconnaissance mission behind enemy lines. The task is to find out the location of a German unit and report back to headquarters. The soldiers are all around the age of nineteen and are excited to prove themselves on the battlefield.

The group is led by Sergey (Kirill Stolyarov), an experienced soldier who is tasked with training the young recruits. While the rest of the group is excited to complete the mission and return home as heroes, Sergey is well aware of the dangers of war and tries to prepare them for what lies ahead.

As they set out on their mission, the group is faced with numerous challenges. They must navigate through enemy territory while avoiding detection and make their way to the German unit without being caught. Along the way, they encounter tough terrain, harsh weather conditions, and numerous German patrols.

As the group nears their destination, tensions rise as they begin to realize the true danger of their mission. They must not only gather the necessary information but also make it back to their own lines alive. The soldiers begin to question their abilities and the possibility of not making it back home.

Throughout the film, the soldiers are forced to confront the harsh realities of war. They witness death and destruction all around them and are pushed to their physical and emotional limits. The film captures the horror of war and the toll it takes on those who fight it.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, particularly that of Kirill Stolyarov who portrays Sergey with great sensitivity and depth. Nikolai Kryukov delivers a moving performance as Pavel, a young soldier who becomes increasingly disillusioned with war and the mission.

They were nineteen was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1968. It is considered one of the most important war films in Russian cinema and was later adapted into a successful novel.

Overall, They were nineteen is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers an honest portrayal of war and its impact on those who fight it. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the genre and is a testament to the talent of its director and cast.