“Beanpole” is a haunting and emotional Russian drama film set in the aftermath of World War II. It tells the story of two women, one tall and sturdy like a beanpole, and the other small and fragile like a bird. These two friends navigate through grief, guilt, and trauma as they work as nurses in a hospital for wounded soldiers. The film explores themes of loss, trauma, resilience, survival, and friendship in a bleak and raw manner. The cinematography is stunningly beautiful yet melancholy, capturing the essence of post-war Leningrad perfectly. Overall, “Beanpole” is a powerful film that will leave you speechless by its raw portrayal of human emotion.
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Review
Beanpole: A Harrowing and Emotionally Charged Portrait of Friendship in the Aftermath of War
War is brutal, inhumane, and has a lasting impact on the people affected by it. Beanpole, directed by Kantemir Balagov, is a masterpiece that explores the psychological aftermath of World War II and its impact on women in Leningrad.
Set in 1945, Beanpole tells the story of Iya (Viktoria Miroshnichenko), a tall woman with a haunting presence who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and is struggling to reintegrate into society after serving as an anti-aircraft gunner. She works at a hospital for war veterans where she bonds with fellow nurse Masha (Vasilisa Perelygina), who shares her sense of loss and pain.
The film’s plot revolves around their friendship and how they help each other navigate the challenges of life in post-war Leningrad. Balagov masterfully uses color to convey emotions, with blue representing trauma, green representing hope, and yellow symbolizing joy.
The movie’s title refers to Iya’s nickname since childhood. She stands out not only because of her height but also because of her fragile temperament. Her nickname is deeply symbolic since she feels like she is carrying a heavy burden on her shoulders, just like a beanpole that bears fruit.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Beanpole is the flawless performances by Viktoria Miroshnichenko (Iya) and Vasilisa Perelygina (Masha). They deliver soulful performances that capture the essence of their characters’ emotional turmoil. The chemistry between them is undeniable and adds depth to their relationship.
Balagov’s direction showcases his artistry by capturing every nuance in the actors’ expressions; he uses long shots to underscore how alone they both feel despite being together through thick and thin. The film’s cinematography is exceptional, and the use of natural light creates a unique atmosphere that immerses viewers in the story.
Beanpole has received widespread critical acclaim and has been selected as Russia’s entry for the Best International Feature Film award at the 92nd Academy Awards. It won Best Director and the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, where it premiered in the Un Certain Regard section.
The film’s historical setting adds to its powerful portrayal of human tragedy. Leningrad was under siege from September 1941 until January 1944, and over one million people died from hunger, cold, and disease. Beanpole shows how war destroys not only lives but also hopes and dreams.
The soundtrack by Evgueni Galperine and Sacha Galperine is hauntingly beautiful and complements the movie’s somber mood. The music enriches every scene and creates a memorable auditory experience that leaves an indelible impression.
In conclusion, Beanpole is a cinematic tour de force that tackles some incredibly heavy subject matter with sensitivity, empathy, and emotional intelligence. It showcases Balagov’s directorial prowess while delivering powerhouse performances by its cast. This is a must-watch film that truly deserves all its accolades.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 134
- Release : 2019-06-20
- Genre : Drama, War
- Cast : Viktoriya Miroshnichenko as Iya Sergueeva, Vasilisa Perelygina as Masha, Konstantin Balakirev as Stepan, Kseniya Kutepova as Lyubov Petrovna, Olga Dragunova as Seamstress
- Crew : Evgueni Galperine as Music, Aleksander Rodnyansky as Producer, Igor Litoninskiy as Editor, Sergey Melkumov as Producer, Michel Merkt as Associate Producer
- Popularity 13.552
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Non-Stop Productions, AR Content
- Summary : Set in post-WWII Leningrad as two female soldiers return from war and attempt to rebuild their lives in the ravaged city.
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