On the Road to Berlin (2015) User Reviews

Great Period Piece but

[chrissso · 6/10 · 6 April 2017]

I'm interested in Russian Media's perspective of the Great Patriotic War and from that perspective this is a good period piece. More so this film … like other recent Mosfilm and Star Media productions … is well produced and utilizes very appropriate actors. So this film … clocking in at a puny 82 minutes … is by no means a waste of time.

That said this story does not make sense to me. I mean is there person out there that gets wrongfully sentenced to death for cowardliness that is so cooperative … so honest … so noble? Seriously! At one point he trades his prize possession … his Grandfather's pocket watch … for a new pair of boots for his captor … the guy marching him of to death??? There are several other examples of Ogarkov's silliness. His character doesn't no make sense and because of that the plot is seriously damaged.

A few interesting notes: This appears to be a remake of an early 1960's Mosfilm production entitled Dvoe v stepi (Two in the Steppe). Additionally the film gives credit to the war diaries of Konstantin Simonov so there is some history here.

In summary … interesting look at Russian WW2 culture but pretty silly … 6 of 10 stars

POST: To show IMDb what I think of their disabling their message boards, I am vowing to stop using Amazon's pay per view service! Google Play, VUDU and Netflix are excellent alternatives ... and are often cheaper. Thanks IMDb ... way to treat your dedicated customers who want to share their passion for films and history!

An Interesting View of World War 2 from the Soviet Soldier's Viewpoint

[Uriah43 · 6/10 · 27 June 2020]

This film begins in 1942 on the Southern Front of the war between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union with a young Russian officer by the name of "Lieutenant Sergey Ogarkov" (Yuriy Borisov) assigned the position of a liaison between his army's headquarters and their separate divisions and brigades. As a result he is compelled to travel between commands delivering orders and receiving intelligence reports. However, at one particular location the area is overrun by enemy tanks and being armed with only a pistol he retreats like everyone else. What he doesn't know is that a new order has been issued which prevents retreat under the penalty of death and for that he is tried, convicted and sentenced to be shot. To do that, however, the sentence must be approved at higher headquarters and for that reason he is assigned a guard by the name of "Private Dzhurbaev" (Amir Abdykalov) to escort him there. Yet while Private Dzhurbaev is clearly mission oriented, the problem is that the Soviet Army is under constant attack and in such a mobile battlefield finding their higher headquarters is much more difficult than anybody realizes. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this was an interesting war film which contained an extremely rich view of World War 2 from the Soviet soldier's viewpoint. However, the main problem I had with this was the huge gap at the end which made it seem as if a whole segment of the film was erased. Additionally, the subtitles weren't very good but at least they were basic enough to understand the overall context. In short, other than the main problem just mentioned, I thought that this was a good film and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

The Road Could Have Been More Interesting

[monsieurfairfax · 5/10 · 16 May 2020]

'On the Road to Berlin' is quite mellow for a war movie. Nothing spectacular or memorable. The plot is implausible but interesting. and there are quite ridiculous moments there, but the acting is good, and there is some chemistry between the two main characters. It was entertaining and thoughtful enough and thanks to the short running time the movie didn't feel to drag. It seems that the movie was made with quite a modest budget. Battle scenes are quite bland. They don't seem t arise above from the rest of the film and they fail to elevate the rest of the movie above from the rest of the likes. Of course there was obligatory love story thrown in (or the promise of it). You can't make a war movie without a girl falling for a tired soldier.

I can't recommend this movie, but it wasn't that bad. I wouldn't call it a total waste of time. It probably would have needed more development. My review was as lazy as this movie.

not great but...

[Kirpianuscus · 20 September 2018]

Remembering old fashion westerns, using the fascination of the Soviet/Russian cinema for WWII, it is only a decent film. Nothing spectacular, nothing memorable. Only a long way of survive, a friendship and the war. And sure, the picture from a newspaper. It is far to be source of the enthusiasmus of public who knows the real Russian war films and the message is too weak to impress. But its virtue is to remind better films about same theme. A good film, a reasonable option.

Run-of-the-mill plot with beautiful nature vignettes

[oktjabr · 6/10 · 30 January 2018]

On the road to Berlin (2015) obviously has a rather meager budget compared to modern, even Russian, war movies, which necessarily isn't a bad thing but hinders some of the effect of this film.

Plot is rather run-of-the-mill tale of friendship, chaos of war and bravery - and it is hardly surprising that the film is based on a short story/previous Soviet war film. Especially Lt. Ogarkov as a character seems a bit implausible in his actions. Also the love story-bit seems slightly inserted, to the point of being a trope. Despite this, the interplay between two main characters - the condemned and his Kazakh guard - works. Especially Amir Abdykalov as somber private does a fine performance. And I have to say I haven't seen many central Asian roles cast in any war films portraying the European Eastern front despite the fact that the Red Army fielded plenty of soldiers from there, often in quite subordinate roles.

Visually speaking low budget unfortunately shows in the two grand battle scenes which come out as unintentionally comical - a better solution would've been simply shoot them so that the viewer doesn't see so much of the awkward props from the smoke and chaos.

Fortunately the film makers don't dwell on combat, but emphasize the strong points of cinematography - beautiful sense of "being there" when it comes to Russian summer. Lush forests, fields, misty riverbanks and small villages of the countryside translate marvelously to the film.

First review.

[rsanztamarit · 6/10 · 29 June 2019]

One more film about the ww2 but a film with love and goodfaith. the history is not new but don't fail with the purpouse. Nice screens and places. The feelings are more importants that the communication

Not a Spectacle; Just a Decent Film About War - On the Road to Berlin

[arthur_tafero · 6/10 · 25 August 2023]

This Russian production has holes in it as big as the holes left by German shells from bombs dropped on Russian soil. However, this screenplay and the characterizations within are of a superior quality, so we must forgive the subpar production values. The lead role of the Russian officer, wrongly accused of cowardice, is played by Juriy Borisov, and his guard, well-played by Amir Abdykalov, steals several scenes with his stoic perserverence. His character appears to be the writer's alter ego; the writer being Emmanull Kazakevich, a classical Russian writer who is well-versed in bringing tragic figures to life. Several good Russian writers excel at tragedy, probably because they have suffered so much of it in the last century.

There will be those who denigrate this film as glorifying Russia, while Russia tries to subjugate the Ukraine, and politically, they may have a point. But this film is not about Putin, Russian leaders or generals; it is about the unheralded sacrifices that nameless thousands of honorable Russian men endured during the Russian-German conflict during WW2. The Russians took a terrible beating at the beginning of that conflict; and yet, they endured. Some would say it was the last honorable military action they were ever involved in. I will let the viewer decide that for themselves. It is interesting to note that Kazaks, historically, were not too keen about becoming part of the Soviet Union. However, when hostilities broke out with Germany, they served with great honor all along the Russian front. In some ways, this film is a hidden gem among all the preachy WW 2 films that do not center on real people. See it for yourself; I do not think you will be disappointed.

human

[normanb-51943 · 10/10 · 3 May 2017]

This film has been made with a modest budget . But there is no modesty in the themes it so tellingly portrays . All the clumsiness of huge organisations , all the nobility of the individuals that have to deal with that clumsiness .

A small masterpiece .

Weak for a Russian made war film

[mchenrykrm · 5/10 · 1 October 2016]

I am a big fan of Russian cinema but this movie fell short of my expectations. An officer accused of cowardliness is sentenced to death and the soldier assigned to guard him and he go through several adventures.

The film is watchable but I never really identified with the characters or grasped the point. The plot was bland and the battle sequences lack the intensity and realism I have seen in other Russian films. Too many cliche's and far fetched scenes.

There are some technical issues such as that I think German Tiger tanks are shown where in 1942 they were not yet available. During the river crossing scene where it is supposed pitch black there is a part where the boy and guard are shown in bright light. It also seemed odd that at times the two walked around in the wide open when in areas crawling with Germans.

The convicted officer goes from being terrified in wake of his expected execution to being fully complaint to the authority of a single guard of whom he could have escaped from or overpowered at many points. Eventually the two connect so strongly that when the guard dies his prisoner goes to the authorities to accept his fate. Far fetched and the relationship is not well depicted by the actors.

Overall the filmed just had a rushed feel to it as if the directors and cast were going through the motions to knock the film out.

Finally, why the title Road to Berlin? The very end is in Germany but nothing in the plot really has anything to do with the drive to Berlin except that the war ends there.

Deserves better

[vam-vm · 9/10 · 20 November 2021]

This film is grossly underrated. Maybe not enough battles shown for some but it shows the stark reality of after battle scenes. Soldiers marching through the devastation left by enemy attacks on villages and countryside alike. It was surprising to me how well made the film was. From the acting to the cinematography and especially the clothing or costume realism. This film deserves to be more appreciated in my opinion.

Not great not terrible

[kerosinecat · 5/10 · 19 September 2019]

One thing i appreciate about this movie it is not overblown, but quiet and thoughtful, with few scenes of combat which is not exaggerated. The movie plot is kept simple.

I think Grossman would have approved.

[fznnmhqw · 10/10 · 11 January 2022]

Having read a number of recent histories by Antony Beevor through whom I was introduced to the Russian war correspondent and author Vasily Grossman, this account of a lieutenant's life and fate on the Eastern Front is more than simply believable. It's a vivid testament to the cruel vagaries of war.

An okay movie/film!

[ivanodolos-12377 · 4/10 · 5 November 2019]

I thought the film was decent and story was not that interesting but the actors were also not something sure they did they best but in my opinion the actors were okay to mediocre sure the movie is to some people good but for me the movie is just Amateur Level Russian World War 2 Movie. It can pass as a war drama but nothing else.

Magnificent Movie

[OzMovieWatcher · 8/10 · 28 July 2020]

One immediate thing of note... this is one of very few WW2 movies that shows an Asian looking Russian soldier (the character of Dzhurbaev). In reality, they were significant in number.

I loved the plot. The cinema-photography very well done. The actors were convincing in their roles. Authenticity applies to the sets/locations and the uniforms, weapons, Russian military command and battle scenes.

This is definitely one of the best Russian made war movies.

I give it a solid 8 stars

Very human story

[Posterboy1 · 9/10 · 15 November 2021]

The main character is a little hard to believe in the context of the plot but serves to illustrate the character of what the Russian filmmakers would have you believe. I felt that the actors were splendid in their roles and the story moved right along. Loved the corny way The Great Patriotic War is made.

Simple yet very sensible

[anirbanroy06 · 8/10 · 13 January 2022]

The movie touches the soul. No unnecessary loud drama and over acting. Just a straightforward story line and truthful execution. How war make a boy to a man and the journey with ups and down. Bond of the soldiers and high moral code. From rock bottom to stand up again. Compassion for each other. The ugly part of any war, where most of the times people are just dragging them up, loosing any hope to survive yet they do. Sound mind and emotion for country mostly the key factors of any winning side. People love to see great wars but forget the actual hardship and mental condition of the soldiers.

Friendship collides with duty

[sharris-44965 · 9/10 · 14 April 2023]

A surprise gem. While Russian movies about the "Great Patriotic War" are sometimes a bit like the John Wayne version or our American WW II movies here, against the backdrop of the chaos in 1942 on the Russian front an interesting story plays out as two unlikely heros trek across the Steppe while the Germans advance and the Russian Army defends stubbornly if not successfully all the time. The two main characters' roles develop slowly but not in a tedious way. While they both prove noble it doesn't start out that way and each of them rise to their respective challenges only slowly. Lots of well acted minor characters fill out a beautifully filmed and paced story set in some quiet scenes intermixed with battles and pictures of ordinary like fit citizens caught in the crossfire. Worth a look to be sure.