Saving Leningrad (2019)

Director: Aleksey Kozlov

Starring: Maria Melnikova, Andrey Mironov-Udalov, Gela Meskhi

In the Soviet Union during September 1941 there was an emergency evacuation of people from Leningrad across Lake Ladoga. By a twist of fate, a young couple are on board the dilapidated barge 752, the purpose of which is the evacuation of the inhabitants of the Siege of Leningrad. The barge is badly worn out, but Captain Gorelov ordered to load on it over 1,000 people, among them his son.

Kostya is a young man serving in the military. Nastya is the love of his life, and when an emergency evacuation of Leningrad starts, he arranges for her to be among the first to board the Barge 752 (a barge is a flat-bottomed waterway vessel).

Nastya’s father was a German spy, who was investigated by Inspector Petruchik, who also boards the vessel. He is an arrogant man riding on the wave of his authority. Kosya’s father is Captain Gorelov, who took responsibility upon himself to overload the barge, given its condition.

Unbeknownst to them the German’s were planning an air raid to stop the evacuation, and to destroy all ships and vessels. This adds increasing suspense, as we as the viewer realize what’s coming. The characters are well set-up and we learn more about each one as the film develops. The battle scenes are well made and realistic. The best scenes by far were the storm scenes, which were incredible.

The third act is non-stop action. I couldn’t help but think about ‘Titanic’ during the film’s final act. If you’ve seen ‘Titanic’ (who hasn’t?), then you’ll immediately recognize the scenes I’m referring to. I rather enjoyed this film.

In Russian.

Would I watch it again? Maybe.