i agree with another reviewer and this be such a shattering film and that will be tough to watch again soon and though for quality alone and it deserve repeat view . the complexity of the character and the incredible cinematography and superb direction make this movie worth the emotional price of watch . there be one scene and of the two partisan drag themselves through the snow to escape a patrol and that perhaps and for sheer physicality and the most amazing performance i have ever see . in fact and though not episodic the story flow this be a movie of memorable scene . there the passing of ration amongst the partisan and the snow scene and the ruined farm scene and the encounter in the house and the interrogation and the basement scene and the ascent . all stand out like jewel in a necklace . for me and the religiosity isn not overt . frankly and i do not think it would have be permit in a soviet film . i do see this a an existential parable about the value of life . here be a tale where the hero and he be a true hero become the villain and and the weak one become the strong one . be this a mystical process or one dictate by circumstance . there be a transfiguration and but do it come from within or without . you must see the movie to understand the issue and for they can not be discuss without give away too much of the story . i can not say enough about the acting . it hard for me to choose which of the lead be more affecting . i be not familiar with soviet film of the 70 and be not familiar with any of the actor and but they be all superb . i also note how director larisa shepitko us child . they remind me of giotto child angel . there be a little muddling in the end . there be apparently a prior relationship between the soldier sotnikov and the interrogator portnov and but this be leave dangle . and the final scene be a bit ambiguous . but compare to the total experience these be quibble . this be a movie that will mark you for life .