Why We Fight: The Battle of Russia - WW2 Documentary Propaganda Film (1943)

DVD: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005B1XD/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=d...

http://thefilmarchive.org/

The Battle of Russia is the fifth film of Frank Capra's Why We Fight propaganda film series, and the longest film of the series.

The film begins with an overview of previous failed attempts to conquer Russia: by the Teutonic Knights in 1242 (footage from Sergei Eisenstein's film Alexander Nevsky is used here), by Charles XII of Sweden in 1704 (footage from Vladimir Petrov's film Peter the First), by Napoleon I in 1812, and by Germany in World War I.

The vast natural resources of the Soviet Union are then described, showing why the land is such a hot prize for conquerors. To give a positive impression of the Soviet Union to the American audience, the country's ethnic diversity is covered in detail. Later on, elements of Russian culture familiar to Americans, including the musical compositions of Tchaikovsky and Leo Tolstoy's book War and Peace are also mentioned. Communism is never mentioned at any point in the film. The start of the film also includes a quote from U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who commended the Russian people's defense of their nation as one of the most courageous feats in military history.

The film then covers the Nazi conquests in the Balkans, described as a preliminary to close off possible Allied counter-invasion routes, before the war against Russia was launched on June 22, 1941. The narration describes the German "keil und kessel" tactics for offensive warfare, and the Soviet "defense in depth" used to counter this. The scorched earth Soviet tactics, the room-to-room urban warfare in Soviet cities, and the guerilla warfare behind enemy lines are also used to underline the Soviet resolve for victory against the Nazis.

One powerful scene shows Russians swearing their oath: For the burned cities and villages For the deaths of our children and our mothers For the torture and humiliation of our people I swear revenge upon the enemy I swear that I would rather die in battle with the enemy Than surrender myself my people and my country to the Fascist invaders Blood for Blood! Death for Death!

The Siege of Leningrad and the Battle of Stalingrad conclude the film.

In order to justify the Western Allies alliance with the Soviet Union, the episode, like the entire Why We Fight series, misportrayed or simply omitted many facts, which could have cast doubts on the "good guy" status of the Soviets, such as the Nazi-Soviet alliance, Soviet invasion of Poland; Soviet occupation of the Baltic States, Winter War and others. Virtually in line with the Soviet propaganda, the series was not only screened but widely acclaimed in the Soviet Union. To exonerate the Soviets, the series casts even cast less important Allies, like the Poles, in the bad light. The episode has been described as "a blatant pro-Soviet propaganda posing as factual analysis."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Battle_of_Russia

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[de1337ing]

@TheEmpowered787 Notice how they dont mention how Poland invaded belarus in 1919 lol

[hellagesoon]

@randy95023 agree but when you know about "operation unthinkable" ... i dont even know what to say.

[randy95023]

Even though this is clearly a "propaganda film", it IS accurate and very well done. It is truly inspiring and served its purpose well. Its purpose being to unite the Americans with their new ally, the Soviet Union. People weren't stupid. We Americans knew that the Soviets were Communists and that Stalin was a dictator. The point is that the Russians have a proud history and deserved better than to be conquered by Nazi Beasts. We were good allies and destroyed Nazism in under 5 years.

[sayanroy36]

@TheEmpowered787 doesnt matter

[TheEmpowered787]

Notice they didnt mention soviet invasion of poland lol

[TheEmpowered787]

This shows how ridiculous the Cold War was

[moises8074]

isso foi traduzido por uma criança ahhh vai a merda porra

[TheAdam8812]

Wow I just noticed at 29:03 it's the same german soldier as in Call of Duty WORLD AT WAR opening

[lapa0121]

1943. "Happy new year comrades. FIRE!" LOL. I can't even imagine the amazement of German troops when the Hell started literately raining down on them from never before seen weapon. Job well done.

[lapa0121]

1943.