ballad of a soldier be an exciting tale of a young soldier adventure while return home on leave . the cinematography be reminiscent of truffaut or bergman and and the pacing be excellent . although not a shockingly realistic a come and see and this film portray the pain russia be dealt during wwii . there do seem to be a good bit of propaganda for the russian army ( the way all the commanding officer be big softy and frequently bend the rule ) and and this do seem rather disingenuous . unilke the kindness and respect portray in grand illusion ( renoir account of prison camp civility from wwi ) and ballad of a soldier lean a bit more toward triumph of the will in it seemingly unrealistic depiction of authority figure . have say that and i thoroughly enjoy this film and would say it criticism be dwarf by it triumph .