February 1997

Screening the Past

Following the Soviet Union's victory in World War II, Soviets frequently honored the many victims with the phrase, "No one is forgotten; nothing is forgotten." In the years since 1945, Russian cinema has been a guardian of the collective, societal memory of this horrific war. Yelena Stishova, respected critic for the leading Russian film journal, Iskusstvo Kino, offers a look back at the development of the Russian war film genre.

War Without Peace

A review of Sergei Bodrov's film, "A Prisoner of the Caucasus," starring Oleg Menshikov.

Here Comes the Cavalry

Through the Civil War, the cavalry played a vital role in both Russian and Soviet history, distinguishing itself by acts of courage and cruelty. But, in recent times, the cavalry has been best known for its cinematic exploits, in the people and horses of the 11th Cavalry Regiment. This unique outfit has graced Soviet and Russian films with historical color and realism.

Music for Everybody

In the world of Russian rock, as in so many spheres of post-Soviet culture, the prevailing trend is to mimic things Western, or American. Yet one musical group, Lyube, has been bucking this trend since the early days of perestroika. With a style rooted in Russian folk traditions, Lyube strives for a uniquely Russian sound, one heavily infused with military themes. And the formula is working.