Siberians

Plot

Two sixth-grade students, Kolya and Vanya, embark on an adventurous journey across Siberia after discovering that they have accidentally lost a pipe belonging to Joseph Stalin during his visit to their remote village. Determined to return the precious item to its owner, the boys face numerous challenges including harsh weather conditions, difficult terrain, and encounters with various characters along their path. As they travel through the vast Siberian wilderness, they learn valuable lessons about responsibility, friendship, and dedication to their country. The film follows their transformation from careless schoolboys into responsible young citizens as they overcome obstacles and demonstrate their commitment to serving their nation. Their quest becomes not just about returning a pipe, but about proving their worthiness as future Soviet citizens.

Historical Background

The film was produced in 1940, a critical period in Soviet history just before the outbreak of World War II. This era was characterized by the height of Stalin's cult of personality and the Soviet government's increased focus on ideological education through cinema. The film industry was strictly controlled by the state, with all productions required to adhere to the principles of socialist realism. Children's films were particularly important as tools for instilling Soviet values in the next generation. The choice of Siberia as a setting was significant, representing both the vastness and resource richness of the Soviet Union, as well as its role as a place of exile and redemption. The film's emphasis on young heroes taking responsibility and demonstrating loyalty to the state reflected the Soviet Union's preparation for the coming conflict with Nazi Germany, emphasizing the need for citizen dedication and sacrifice.

Making Of

The production of 'Siberians' represented a significant shift in Lev Kuleshov's career, as the renowned film theorist was tasked with creating a mainstream children's adventure film that aligned with Soviet ideological requirements. Kuleshov, who had previously faced criticism for his formalist experiments, approached this project with a mix of artistic integrity and political pragmatism. The casting process was particularly challenging, as the director sought authentic child actors who could convey both innocence and ideological conviction. The film's location shooting in Siberia presented enormous logistical difficulties, with the crew having to transport equipment through remote areas and film in extreme weather conditions. Despite these challenges, Kuleshov managed to incorporate some of his experimental techniques within the constraints of socialist realism, particularly in his use of montage to create emotional resonance. The production team worked closely with Soviet educational authorities to ensure the film would serve its purpose as both entertainment and ideological instruction for young viewers.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Siberians' is notable for its sweeping landscape shots that capture the vastness and beauty of the Siberian wilderness. Director of photography Aleksandr Gintsburg employed both wide-angle lenses and carefully composed frames to emphasize the scale of the environment in relation to the young protagonists. The film makes effective use of natural lighting, particularly in outdoor scenes where the harsh Siberian sun creates dramatic contrasts and shadows. Kuleshov incorporated his montage theory into the visual storytelling, using rapid cuts during action sequences to build tension and excitement. The black and white cinematography creates a stark, dramatic quality that enhances the film's adventurous tone while also serving the ideological purpose of presenting the Soviet landscape as both challenging and noble.

Innovations

While 'Siberians' was not a groundbreaking technical film, it featured several notable achievements for Soviet cinema of its time. The production successfully captured authentic Siberian locations using portable equipment, which was challenging given the remote filming conditions. The film employed innovative sound recording techniques for outdoor scenes, managing to capture natural ambient sounds of the Siberian wilderness while maintaining clear dialogue. Kuleshov's application of his montage theory to a children's adventure film represented an interesting technical approach, using rapid editing to maintain young viewers' attention while conveying complex emotional states. The film also featured some of the first extensive use of location shooting for a Soviet children's film, moving away from the studio-bound productions that were more common at the time.

Music

The musical score for 'Siberians' was composed by Dmitri Kabalevsky, one of the Soviet Union's most prominent composers known for his works for children and young people. Kabalevsky's music perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the film while incorporating elements of Russian folk melodies that reinforce its cultural context. The score features leitmotifs for the main characters and recurring musical themes that represent their journey and growth. The orchestration is rich and full, using traditional Russian instruments alongside classical orchestra to create a distinctly Soviet sound. The soundtrack also includes several songs that became popular among Soviet youth, with lyrics that emphasized friendship, courage, and dedication to the motherland. Kabalevsky's music was so effective that several themes from the film were later adapted for use in other Soviet children's productions.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening scene where the boys discover they have lost Stalin's pipe and realize the gravity of their mistake
• The dramatic crossing of the frozen river where the boys must work together to survive
• The encounter with the old Siberian hunter who teaches them about survival and responsibility
• The final scene where the boys successfully return the pipe and are praised for their dedication

What Critics Said

Contemporary Soviet critics praised 'Siberians' as a successful example of children's cinema that effectively combined entertainment with educational value. Reviews in publications like Pravda and Iskusstvo Kino highlighted the film's ability to instill patriotic values while maintaining engaging storytelling. The film was particularly commended for its authentic portrayal of young protagonists and its beautiful cinematography of Siberian landscapes. However, some critics noted that the ideological elements were occasionally heavy-handed, a common criticism of films from this period. After Stalin's death, the film was re-evaluated and criticized for its excessive personality cult elements, though its artistic merits were still acknowledged. Modern film historians recognize 'Siberians' as an important document of its time, providing insight into Soviet cultural production during the pre-war period and the ways cinema was used to shape young Soviet citizens.

What Audiences Thought

The film was extremely popular among Soviet children and teenagers upon its release, becoming one of the most-watched films in schools and youth organizations across the Soviet Union. Young viewers particularly identified with the protagonists' adventure and their journey of self-discovery. The film's screening was often accompanied by discussions in pioneer groups and school assemblies, where teachers would emphasize the moral lessons about responsibility and dedication to the state. Despite its ideological content, the adventure elements and Siberian settings captured the imagination of young audiences, making it a beloved classic of Soviet children's cinema. The film remained in circulation for many years, though it was temporarily withdrawn after Stalin's death before being re-released with some cuts to reduce the personality cult elements. Even today, older generations of Russians recall 'Siberians' fondly as an important part of their childhood film experience.

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