A Soviet POW faces an impossible choice: join the enemy or die trying to escape.
During WWII, Major Ivan Vasilyevich Pugachev fights at the front, but after being wounded he is taken prisoner. During the offensive of the Soviet troops, the Germans decide to eliminate the prisoners of war. Before the execution, General Vlasov arrives in a German concentration camp, who agitates to join the ROA. Pugachev and his comrades decide to escape.
Acting
Lifanov's weathered silence speaks louder than speeches.
Production
Brutalist camp aesthetics feel authentically Soviet-era grim.
Writing
Vlasov's recruitment scene chills without melodrama.
Director
Vladimir Fatyanov
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Vlasov Army remains taboo in Russian cinema—this 2007 production was rare mainstream acknowledgment of Soviet POWs who collaborated.
Director Fatyanov cast actual descendants of Vlasov Army soldiers in camp prisoner roles, unbeknownst to most of the crew until wrap.
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