The Ascent

A very economically shot intimate war drama about a pair of soldiers who fall into captivity while carrying out their mission and face cruel treatment and a very real threat of execution. The Ascent is not a film that indulges in flashy combat scenes and showcases a multitude of period combat techniques. The director focuses on the psyche of her characters and the film is a psychological study of human nature in a tense situation. Courage and self-sacrifice can be turned into a deceitful trade with one's conscience under pressure from circumstances. The depressive film is also underscored by gloomy music, black-and-white material, and cinematography that captures a desolate icy plain whipped by the wind. Thanks to this film, Larisa Šepiťko was considered the best Soviet filmmaker of her era. Overall impression: 85%. (27.12.2008)

Soviet film, which can capture your attention right after a few first seconds when you realize that this black and white one is somewhat specific, that it is somewhat grayish and that everything you are watching is specially stylized to have a worn-out effect. The director can hit with a scene, but also bore, which is an unintended contrast. (24.10.2015)