Commissar

Aleksandr Askoldov's 1967 Commissar combines the visual brilliance that one associates with the best Soviet filmmaking together with an uncommon emotional depth and sincerity. Set in the aftermath of the Bolshevik revolution, the film focuses on a female commissar named Klavdia (Nonna Mordyukova) who needs to take a leave of absence from building the new Soviet state in order to give birth after she accidentally becomes pregnant. Taking shelter with a poor Jewish family, Klavdia discovers a newfound sense of humanity, and she is ultimately forced to choose between motherhood and Bolshevism. Askoldov's vision of the central character's internal struggle set against the backdrop of internecine military conflict was bold and often disturbing, and its departure from the Soviet political line to champion both individuality and brotherhood among different peoples (especially in relation to the Jewish minority) created problems for the filmmaker (who was unfortunately prevented from making further films). Banned in the Soviet Union for more than 20 years because of its sympathetic portrayal of Russian Jews (the film's completion coincided with the Kremlin's support of the Arab nations against Israel in the Six-Day War), Commissar was long thought to be destroyed, but mercifully the film survived and its message can continue to inspire today's viewers. DVD extras include interviews with the director on the controversy over the film, cast and crew bios, and stills galleries. Highly recommended. (P. Hall)