Anna Lisyanskaya
Actor
About Anna Lisyanskaya
Anna Lisyanskaya was a Soviet actress who appeared during the Golden Age of Soviet cinema, most notably in the critically acclaimed war film 'Girl No. 217' in 1945. Her career, though brief, coincided with a significant period in Soviet filmmaking when war-themed dramas dominated the industry following World War II. The film in which she appeared was directed by renowned Soviet filmmaker Mikhail Romm and dealt with the harrowing experiences of Soviet citizens in German concentration camps. While her filmography appears limited to this single credited role, her participation in such a historically significant film places her within the important tradition of wartime cinema in the Soviet Union. The film itself was one of the earliest Soviet productions to directly address the Holocaust and Nazi atrocities, making any contribution to it culturally meaningful. Her role, though not the lead, contributed to the ensemble cast that brought this powerful anti-fascist message to Soviet audiences during the immediate post-war period.
The Craft
On Screen
Based on her appearance in 'Girl No. 217', Anna Lisyanskaya employed the realistic, emotionally intense acting style characteristic of Soviet wartime cinema. Her performance would have followed the socialist realist tradition, focusing on conveying the suffering and resilience of Soviet people during the war. The acting in Soviet films of this period emphasized psychological depth and emotional authenticity, particularly when depicting the horrors of occupation and concentration camps.
Milestones
- Appeared in the landmark Soviet war film 'Girl No. 217' (1945)
- Participated in one of the first Soviet films to address Holocaust themes
- Worked under director Mikhail Romm during his peak creative period
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Anna Lisyanskaya's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, is significant due to her participation in 'Girl No. 217,' one of the most important Soviet war films of the 1940s. The film was groundbreaking in its direct portrayal of Nazi atrocities and was among the first Soviet films to address the Holocaust, making it culturally and historically important. Her role, however small, contributed to the powerful ensemble that brought this crucial anti-fascist message to Soviet and international audiences during the immediate post-war period when such testimonies were vital for documenting war crimes.
Lasting Legacy
Anna Lisyanskaya's legacy is intrinsically tied to her appearance in 'Girl No. 217,' a film that remains an important document of Soviet wartime cinema and Holocaust representation. While she may not have had an extensive filmography, her participation in this historically significant film ensures her place in the annals of Soviet cinema history. The film itself continues to be studied by film historians and scholars examining how different countries processed and represented the trauma of World War II in their cinematic output.
Who They Inspired
Due to the limited nature of her film career, there is little documented evidence of Anna Lisyanskaya's direct influence on other actors or filmmakers. However, her contribution to 'Girl No. 217' places her within the broader tradition of Soviet actors who participated in creating the powerful war narratives that would influence subsequent generations of filmmakers both within and beyond the Soviet Union. The film's realistic approach to depicting wartime atrocities set a standard that would influence later Holocaust cinema worldwide.
Off Screen
Very limited information is available about Anna Lisyanskaya's personal life, as she appears to have had a brief career in cinema with only one credited film role. Like many Soviet actors of her era who appeared in single productions, detailed biographical records were not extensively maintained, particularly for supporting cast members. Her participation in 'Girl No. 217' suggests she was likely connected to the Soviet film industry during the war years, possibly through theater or other performing arts backgrounds that were common pathways to cinema during this period.
Did You Know?
- 'Girl No. 217' was one of the first Soviet films to explicitly address the Holocaust and Nazi concentration camps
- The film was directed by Mikhail Romm, one of the Soviet Union's most acclaimed directors
- The movie was released in 1945, the same year World War II ended, making it incredibly timely
- The film's original Russian title was 'Девушка № 217'
- 'Girl No. 217' won the Stalin Prize (the highest Soviet artistic award) in 1946
- The film was banned in some Western countries during the Cold War era
- It was one of the most popular Soviet films of 1945, seen by millions of viewers
- The film's realistic depiction of concentration camp life was groundbreaking for its time
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anna Lisyanskaya?
Anna Lisyanskaya was a Soviet actress best known for her appearance in the 1945 war film 'Girl No. 217.' Her career appears to have been brief, with this film being her only credited role during the classic cinema period.
What films is Anna Lisyanskaya best known for?
Anna Lisyanskaya is known exclusively for her role in 'Girl No. 217' (1945), a significant Soviet war film directed by Mikhail Romm that addressed Nazi atrocities and the Holocaust.
When was Anna Lisyanskaya born and when did she die?
Specific birth and death dates for Anna Lisyanskaya are not readily available in historical records, which is not uncommon for Soviet supporting actors of this era who had brief film careers.
What awards did Anna Lisyanskaya win?
While Anna Lisyanskaya herself did not receive documented individual awards, the film 'Girl No. 217' in which she appeared won the prestigious Stalin Prize in 1946, the highest artistic honor in the Soviet Union at the time.
What was Anna Lisyanskaya's acting style?
Her acting style in 'Girl No. 217' reflected the socialist realist tradition dominant in Soviet cinema, characterized by emotional intensity and psychological authenticity in portraying the suffering and resilience of Soviet people during wartime.
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Films
1 film
