It Happened in the Donbass
Plot
Set during the German occupation of the Donbass region in World War II, the film follows a group of brave Soviet youth who organize an underground resistance movement against the Nazi invaders. These young partisans continue the legacy of their fathers who previously defended the Soviet Union, demonstrating courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative showcases their covert operations, sabotage missions, and efforts to protect local civilians while gathering intelligence for the Red Army. As the war progresses, the young fighters face increasing danger from German counter-intelligence operations but remain steadfast in their commitment to liberating their homeland. The film culminates in a dramatic confrontation that highlights the sacrifice and heroism of these young Soviet citizens during the Great Patriotic War.
About the Production
Filmed during the final months of World War II, the production faced significant challenges including limited resources and the need to film in recently liberated territories. The film was rushed to completion to be released for the first post-war Victory Day celebrations. Many of the outdoor scenes were shot on location in the actual Donbass region, which had recently been liberated from German occupation, adding authenticity to the production.
Historical Background
Produced in 1945, 'It Happened in the Donbass' emerged during a pivotal moment in Soviet history - the immediate aftermath of World War II, known in the USSR as the Great Patriotic War. The Donbass region had been one of the most heavily contested industrial areas during the German invasion, suffering immense destruction and civilian casualties. The film was created to commemorate the heroism of ordinary Soviet citizens, particularly the youth, who had formed resistance networks in occupied territories. This period saw the Soviet film industry shifting from wartime propaganda to creating memorial works that would establish the official narrative of the war for future generations. The film's release coincided with the beginning of the Cold War, making it part of the cultural effort to solidify Soviet moral authority and the narrative of righteous struggle against fascism.
Why This Film Matters
The film holds an important place in Soviet cinema as one of the earliest cinematic treatments of partisan warfare from the perspective of youth resistance. It helped establish the archetype of the young Soviet hero that would become a staple in post-war Soviet cinema. The film contributed to the cult of the partisan hero in Soviet culture, portraying resistance not as spontaneous rebellion but as organized, ideologically driven struggle guided by Communist principles. Its emphasis on youth continuing their parents' revolutionary legacy reinforced the Soviet narrative of intergenerational loyalty to the state. The film was particularly significant for Ukrainian cinema, as it was produced by the Kiev Film Studio and focused on events in the Donbass region, helping to establish Ukrainian film production's role in the broader Soviet cultural project.
Making Of
The production of 'It Happened in the Donbass' began in early 1945 while parts of the Soviet Union were still engaged in combat operations. Director Leonid Lukov, who had previously made several war films, wanted to create a work that would honor the youth resistance movements that had played a crucial role in the partisan warfare behind enemy lines. The casting process was particularly challenging as many young actors were still serving in the military. The production team worked closely with veteran partisans from the Donbass region to ensure authenticity in depicting resistance tactics and daily life under occupation. The film's emotional core was strengthened by the fact that many cast and crew members had personal experiences with the war, bringing genuine emotion to their performances. The cinematography team had to work with limited film stock, which was still being rationed, leading to careful planning of each shot to maximize efficiency.
Visual Style
The cinematography, led by director of photography Yevgeny Andrikanis, employed a realist aesthetic that emphasized the harsh conditions of life under occupation. The camera work often used handheld techniques for action sequences to create immediacy and tension. The visual contrast between the industrial landscape of the Donbass and the natural hiding places of the partisans served as a metaphor for the conflict between civilization and barbarism. Night scenes were particularly notable for their use of available light techniques, creating a sense of danger and secrecy. The film also incorporated documentary-style footage elements, blurring the line between fiction and reality to enhance authenticity.
Innovations
The film was notable for its innovative use of location shooting in recently liberated territories, which was unusual for Soviet productions of the time that typically relied on studio sets. The production team developed new techniques for filming in damaged industrial areas, creating dramatic visual compositions that contrasted the ruins of war with the resilience of the human spirit. The film also employed early forms of what would later be called 'guerrilla filmmaking,' with small mobile camera units that could quickly capture scenes in dangerous or difficult-to-access locations. The editing techniques used in the action sequences influenced later Soviet war films, particularly in how they built tension through rapid cuts between different resistance activities happening simultaneously.
Music
The musical score was composed by German Zhukovsky, who created a soundtrack that balanced martial themes for the resistance sequences with more intimate melodies for emotional moments. The music incorporated folk elements from the Donbass region, giving the film a distinct regional character. The film's main theme, 'Song of the Young Partisans,' became popular in its own right and was frequently performed at concerts and on radio. The sound design was particularly effective in creating tension during sabotage sequences, using minimal dialogue and emphasizing natural sounds to enhance realism. The soundtrack was later released on vinyl and became one of the most popular film scores of 1945 in the Soviet Union.
Did You Know?
- The film was one of the first Soviet productions to depict partisan warfare in the Donbass region specifically
- Director Leonid Lukov had personal experience with the war, having served as a war correspondent before returning to filmmaking
- Many of the supporting roles were played by actual partisans and resistance fighters from the Donbass region
- The film's release coincided with the first anniversary of the liberation of Kiev from Nazi occupation
- Tatyana Okunevskaya, the lead actress, was later arrested during Stalin's purges but continued her acting career after rehabilitation
- The original script was heavily revised to include more optimistic elements reflecting the Soviet victory
- Some scenes had to be reshot when censors felt they were too realistic in depicting German atrocities
- The film was used as educational material in Soviet schools for years after its release
- It was one of the few Soviet war films of 1945 that focused on youth resistance rather than regular army units
What Critics Said
Contemporary Soviet critics praised the film for its authentic portrayal of partisan warfare and its emotional depth. Pravda, the official newspaper of the Communist Party, commended director Lukov for creating 'a truthful and moving tribute to our heroic youth.' Western critics, when the film was later shown abroad, noted its propagandistic elements but acknowledged its technical competence and powerful performances. Modern film historians view the work as an important example of post-war Soviet cinema, though they critique its adherence to socialist realist conventions. The film is now studied as a cultural artifact that reveals how the Soviet Union wanted the memory of the war to be preserved and transmitted to future generations.
What Audiences Thought
The film was warmly received by Soviet audiences in 1945, particularly by those who had experienced the war firsthand. Many viewers connected emotionally with the portrayal of young resistance fighters, seeing their own experiences or those of their children reflected on screen. The film became especially popular in the Donbass region and Ukraine, where local audiences appreciated the recognition of their specific contributions to the war effort. In the years following its release, the film became a staple of Victory Day celebrations and was frequently shown in schools and workers' clubs. While contemporary audiences outside the Soviet Union had limited access to the film during the Cold War, it has gained new appreciation among film scholars studying war cinema and Soviet cultural history.
Awards & Recognition
- Stalin Prize, Second Class (1946)
Film Connections
Influenced By
- Lenin in 1918
- 1939
- by Mikhail Romm,
- The Young Guard
- 1948
- by Sergey Gerasimov, earlier Soviet partisan films],
- influencedFilms
- The Young Guard,1948,The Unforgettable Year 1919,1951,later Soviet films about youth resistance during WWII
- similarFilms
- The Young Guard,1948,Come and See,1985,The Ascent,1977,Ordinary Fascism,1965,Ballad of a Soldier,1959,],,famousQuotes,Our fathers defended this land, and we will not let the fascists take it from us.,Every night we strike, every dawn we survive - this is how we will win our freedom.,In the darkness of occupation, our courage is the only light that cannot be extinguished.,memorableScenes,The opening sequence showing young partisans gathering in a ruined factory basement, establishing their resolve and organization,The sabotage mission where youth resistance members destroy a German ammunition train using homemade explosives,The emotional scene where a young partisan says goodbye to her mother before going on a dangerous mission,The final confrontation where the resistance fighters defend their hiding place against overwhelming German forces,preservationStatus,The film has been preserved in the Russian State Film Archive (Gosfilmofond) and has undergone digital restoration. A restored version was released in 2015 for the 70th anniversary of Victory Day. The original negative is in good condition, though some sequences show signs of age-related deterioration. The film is occasionally screened at classic film festivals and retrospectives of Soviet cinema.,whereToWatch,Available on Russian streaming platforms like Kinopoisk HD,Digitally restored version on the Soviet Film Classics streaming service,Occasionally broadcast on Russian television channels during Victory Day commemorations,Available for viewing at film archives and specialized cinema museums