The Pioneer's Violin

Overview

Subtle coloring and an impressionistic approach to landscape distinguish this patriotic animated short set to music. After a flourishing Soviet hamlet is destroyed by Nazi planes, the sole survivor is confronted by a hulking Nazi commando in a tank. The military man tries to cajole the young violinist into repeating a jaunty harmonica melody at gunpoint but the boy strikes up a noble song of resistance instead. Stepantsev's film may romance the idea of martyrdom but it does so with a gravity not often found in similar films.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

June 5, 1971

Original language

Russian

Countries

Soviet Union

Production

Soyuzmultfilm

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt1943844