The goal of Mikheil Chiaureli's The Fall of Berlin (Russian: Падение Берлина) upon its release in 1950, was to give a representation of what the climate was like towards the end of World War II. The film is framed around a very positive portrayal of Joseph Stalin and shows the viewers his involvement in the events that helped to bring about the end of the war.
Part One
The first part of the film introduces the viewers to the film’s protagonist, Alexi Ivanov, a steelworker. Ivanov for his great work within the steel mill is awarded to join the Order of Lenin and is invited to meet Stalin. After this meeting, the viewers are taken to Hitler and his officers discussing plans on how to attack the Russians. After this encounter, the viewers return to Ivanov who is out on a date when all of a sudden a German blitzkrieg arrives. Ivanov is injured and in a coma, once he awakes he and several other colleagues enlist in the Red Army. Then viewers are taken to a conference between the Russian leaders and the Western Allies and they are meeting to determine the future of the war, and what their next moves will be.
Part Two
The second part of the film picks up with Stalin asking who is going to take Berlin first the Russians or the Allies, his generals respond by saying that they will. Then the film returns to Hitler who at this point is in the process of a meltdown due to his inability to take Moscow, and demands the German troops fight to the very end. Unfortunately, this does not work and Hitler and Eva Braun commit suicide. When news of this reaches the Red Army, Stalin demands that they only accept an unconditional surrender. Now the movie goes back to Ivanov who is selected to carry the victory banner as they storm the Reichstag and take Berlin.
Themes
In the overarching narrative of the film, there are three themes that are consistent throughout the film. These themes include, an incredibly positive depiction of Stalin, Russia as an industrial power, and the love and commitment that the Russian people have for their country. Throughout the film, there are many instances that these ideas are made quite clear.
The Fall of Berlin can be purchased from Amazon.
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