Cast
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Alexander Petrov
as Nikolay Ivushkin
Victor Dobronravov
as Vasilenok
Irina Starshenbaum
as Anya Yartseva
Vinzenz Kiefer
as Klaus Jäger
Petr Skvortsov
as Lykov
Semyon Treskunov
as Vasiliy Teterya
Artyom Bystrov
as Korin
Michael Janibekyan
as
Anton Bogdanov
as Demyan Volchok
Yuliya Dzhulai
as
Darya Hramtsova
as
Vasiliy Uriyevskiy
as
Vasiliy Butkevich
as Korin's Orderly
Yaroslav Shtefan
as Machine-Gunner Makeev
Kirill Lopatkin
as German Soldier
Crew
Director
- Alexey Sidorov
Producer
- Nikita Mikhalkov
- Leonid Vereshchagin
- Len Blavatnik
- Ruben Dishdishyan
- Yuliya Ivanova
- Anton Zlatopolskiy
- Nelly Yaralova
Reviews
Wuchak
_**Eastern Front tank action, drama, risk and survival**_
In late 1941 a Red Army tank crew defends Moscow, but is captured. At a POW camp in summer, 1944, they are given a T-34 fresh from the battlefield to be used to train German soldiers in maneuvers where a daring plan of escape is hatched and implemented. Alexander Petrov plays the tank commander, Vinzenz Kiefer the Nazi Colonel and Irina Starshenbaum an interpreter.
"T-34" (2018) is a well done Russian WW2 flick that naturally focuses on the Eastern Front. It’s thankfully not one-dimensional: The opening act features a tank battle at a village in the winter whereas the second act switches to a German POW camp in the warmer months, which paves the way for the adventurous escape and showdown. The creators didn’t fail to include human interest to hook the viewer. Sure, some unlikely elements are thrown in for dramatic purposes (like the Colonel recognizing the tank commander at the camp), so what else is new?
Anyone who likes WW2 flicks like “Fury” (2014), “Cross of Iron” (1977), "Dear Elza!" (2014), "Enemy at the Gates" (2001) and “Warsaw ’44” (2014) should appreciate this one.
There are three versions of the film: 1 hr 53 min, 2 hr 19 min and 3 hr (I saw the short rendition). It was shot at Kaluga Region, Russia (Strelkovka Village), and the Czech Republic. English subtitles are supplied.
GRADE: B+/A-
Dec 21, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, T-34 examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Alexey Sidorov brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of T-34 took approximately 4 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $8.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 139 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 174 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 12 months to complete.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While T-34 shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Łódź Ghetto, which focuses more on action than character development, T-34 subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Fragments of War: The Story of Damien Parer and 3rd Reich Mothers, in the Name of the Master Race explore similar territory, T-34 stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 27, 2018
- Runtime: 2h 19m
- Budget: $8,000,000
- Revenue: $36,220,872
Where to Watch
