Ivan's Childhood

Starring: Nikolay Burlyaev, Valentin Zubkov, Eugeniy Zharikov, Stepan Krylov, Nikolay Grinko, Dmitri Milyutenko, Valentine Malyavina, Irina Tarkowskaya
Directed by: Andrei Tarkovsky, Eduard Abalov
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, War
1962

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: During World War II, a young Soviet boy (Nikolay Burlyaev) connects with three soldiers as they fight against the invading German army.

Review:

Tim: As much as I've learned about film over my two-plus decades of watching movies, there's always so much more to learn. For example, I wasn't familiar with Andrei Tarkovsky at all until recently. I saw his short student film, The Killers. The first feature of his I watched was this one. And wow, what a film to start off a career. Ivan's Childhood is a remarkable piece of filmmaking. It's a brutal, unflinching look at the cost of war. It's about innocence lost. It's about family and friendship. It's an incredible film in every way. I was stunned at what a moving, poignant film the young Tarkovsky created. This is a wonderful film.

As an American, I loved getting the chance to see a Soviet perspective of World War II. The villains are the same (the Germans), but the war was viewed differently by the Soviets- it wasn't fought across an ocean, it was fought at home. It's no surprise that Tarkovsky hates war. Every frame of the film shows the unfathomable cost war demands of innocent people. Contrasting the adult concept of war with the fragility of childhood created a devastating contrast here. This antiwar film is incredibly effective in its depiction. The movie spends a great deal of time building up its characters- I was shocked how much I cared about all of them. Then, when they are put in harm's way, you feel every close call, you hold your breath, praying for their survival. This film is often bleak, but, so is war.

Nikolay Burlyaev gives a stunningly good performance as Ivan. He is wise beyond his years, world-weary, yet, still at heart, a child. You feel proud of him for what he's survived, but fearful for his future. He's a boy who has lost everything due to war, yet continues forward with a fire in his belly. All the characters revolve around Ivan. Tarkovsky does an incredibly job of tying everything around this boy. He's at the center of every scene and that allows us not just to connect with Ivan, but to love him. He's the emotional core of everything that happens. Burlyaev gives a wonderful performance in the titular role.

But, that's not enough to make this movie great. Tarkovsky is able to highlight multiple supporting characters, whom we all get to know equally as well. In their love and protection of Ivan, we feel closer to them and become invested in them as well. Valentin Zubkov is terrific as Captain Kholin. He's perhaps the most complex, fascinating character in the film. His protection of Ivan is appreciated, his leadership in war unquestionable. Yet, he's also part of one of the more disturbing scenes in the film, his aggressive advances towards Masha, one of the few women characters. That was hard to watch at times and it makes you question your thoughts and feelings about Kholin. Zubkov's performance toes the line perfectly, though. You love Kholin, but hate certain aspects of the man. And, despite his worst actions, you can't help but care for him, too. So much of that comes from Zubkov's complex and layered performance. Galtsev is another wonderful character, brought to life by Evgeniy Zharikov. He's almost like a second protagonist, a still relatively young officer that acts as our conduit when Ivan isn't around. He's a more straightforward, upstanding soldier. He holds a lot inside, but his reserved facade breaks down a bit as the film progresses. We learn to love him, too. Zharikov doesn't get to show as many layers as Zubkov does, but it's no less a fantastic performance. Stepan Krylov gives perhaps the more easily likeable performance of the film. I absolutely loved the character of Katasonov. I think he's the character I will most easily remember. He's a faithful soldier. Kind to Ivan. Able to fix anything. Does his job quietly and effectively without complaint. The ideal soldier in so many ways. Krylov's performance was just mesmerizing- how he's able to connect with the audience and convey so much emotion with his eyes and facial expressions. I was constantly fascinated by whatever he was doing on screen. His role is a supporting one, but it's unforgettable. Tarkovsky's genius here is showing these different characters, having the right actors in place, and giving them the opportunity to imprint themselves on us. That's a big reason why this movie works so well.

Tarkovsky also directs a film that brilliantly combines the normal linear storytelling with flashbacks and dream sequences. This gives the whole film a bit of an illusionary quality to it. You're constantly asking about what you're seeing, whether it's real, what it means. Tarkovsky is able to weave all these strands together in a relatively short film- only 1 hour, 35 minutes long. This is a tightly compacted movie and not a second is wasted. By the time the ending of the film arrives, you've established a powerful connection with the characters and their fates can feel devastating. I remember my initial reaction of the scene where Galtsev pulls up the blanket before they are about to depart- it was denial. "No, that can't be true..." was the first thought that hit me. I didn't want it to be true. It's amazing that Tarkovsky was able to elicit that response from me so quickly.

Ivan's Childhood is an absolute masterpiece of a film. I have no idea how Tarkovsky was able to craft something so powerful and brilliant so early in his career. This is a film that digs right down into you and doesn't let go. It's the kind of film that changes you- you're a different person after seeing it than you were before. It's one of the best films of all time about depicting the horrors of war. It's a stunning film.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Alexander Nevsky, The Killers (1956)