The two-hour-long film does not have many fighting scenes, so it is no wonder that it is criticized. The plot is boring and procrastination. But at the heart of the film are two women, seemingly trying to use women to reflect on war. Thinking about it this way, this unique angle of entry is really unusual.
▪️Katya
Ordinary citizens, stranded in the city because of the war, lived alone. He was later cared for by five Soviet Red Army soldiers and survived.
▪️Masha
He also stayed in the city, because he looked like the late wife of Kahn, a German officer, and was taken care of and protected by her. He was shot to death by the Red Army.
The fate of the two people is so similar yet so different. Women are not fit for war after all. In a war dominated by men, women are so vulnerable and helpless, but they bring hope to the war.
Katya, the symbol of motherland. Because of the protection of the Red Army soldiers, it grows and nurtures life. In contrast, Martha's situation is embarrassing. At the beginning, he was taken care of by the German officer Kahn, but had no choice but to have a relationship, fell in love with Kahn, and was eventually killed by the Red Army. Katya, who is ambiguous to each of the five Red Army, and Masha, who is deadly to Kahn... Some people say that this is the director's high-end black, which seems reasonable. In fact, I personally think that the director is essentially exploring human nature and anti-war from two women. No matter who the opponent is, whether it is a soldier of the Red Army or a German officer, as long as he is good to himself, it doesn't matter.
Martha used to say, you kill us or we kill you, it's the same for me. In fact, what Martha wants is very simple. She wants love and the only consolation under the cruel war. At the end she asked if Kahn would be back, how much I wished Kahn would give an affirmative answer even if it was just a lie. Martha was thus killed, and in one shot, without delay. So ironic, really uncomfortable. This is the director's naked distaste for war, and nothing else.
View more about Stalingrad reviews
