The series "The War ended yesterday" (2011) is the brainchild of Russian director Vladimir Balkashinov. On his account to this moment, more than a dozen works. And although quite decent, even, one might say, talented actors are shot in them, critics do not particularly favor the end result of the efforts made. With regard to the film "War ended yesterday," the audience’s reviews are also mixed.
What is this series about? Should I take the time to view it? Who performed the main roles? What kind of viewer will see positive moments, and in relation to which are those who dislike him the most? You will find answers to all these questions in this article.
Is there a movie about war?
It is worth noting that in the case of the series “Yesterday the war ended” reviews, both positive and negative, are clearly distributed between two groups of viewers. Those who liked the film, note the good play of the actors and the development of the relationship of the main characters. Well, those who claim that the series is not even worth the film that was spent on it, point to historical inconsistencies and many moviegoals.
Honestly, both of them are right. That is, in fact, the assessment will depend on what the viewer needs from the picture. For lovers of melodramas “Yesterday the war ended”, the plot of which is focused on the next love triangle, will be a pleasant evening break. But if you are interested in the details of the war and the realities of post-war life, then this picture is clearly not for you.
Characters
The whole plot revolves around several central heroes and a couple of three minor characters. Moreover, the vast majority of the actors belong to the same family, which includes: the
acting chairman of the collective farm Fedor Mikhailovich, his wife Maria, son Grisha, daughter Galya and her fiance Kolya. The main character is Katerina, who came from the city to take the chair.
Another truly colorful character is Grandfather Pyatak, the acting watchman. According to the plot, literally several rural residents sometimes appear.
The beginning of the story
So, the spring of 1945. A graduate of the institute, Ekaterina Ovsyannikova, is sent to a distant village. On behalf of the district committee, she should accept the post of head of the collective farm, replacing the murdered chairman, Ivan Mikhailovich Konyukhov.
From the very beginning, the director sets the motive for the film, showing the grotesque nature of the current situation. A young girl in an elegant little coat with a clumsy suitcase rides in an open truck body on a country road.
In the next frame, her fellow traveler with a slight wave of her hand indicates the path along which the newly-elected chairwoman should move to a brighter future in order to take her place, after which she hides behind the horizon in a car.
A word about the scenery
As already noted, it is precisely the degree of transfer of the reliability of the post-war time - the Achilles heel of the series "The war ended yesterday." Criticism reviews mercilessly indicate a lot of flaws in the frame. Indeed, what the viewer sees on the screen would look more organically on the stage during the performance.
While admiring the existing examples of magnificent productions, one should not forget how much money has been invested in adequately reflecting in the film being shot everything that serves as the background for each action and dialogue. But in the series, the class of which includes “Yesterday the war ended”, the budget is very modest, even meager.
That is why, as evidence of the recent hostilities in the area, we see only a lone howitzer on a flat field, and a rickety plate with the inscription: “Mined”.
Fresh development of a banal situation
As for the plot of the series "Yesterday the war ended." The director erected it on a familiar love triangle. Rather, even on a trapezoid of interconnected people. Kolya is the first guy in the village. Beautiful, self-confident, spoiled by female attention, and therefore moderately impudent. Grisha is quiet, devoted and somewhat tedious, but at the same time, persistent and purposeful. Katya is proud and principled, with enthusiasm beating over the edge in terms of building prosperous communism and enlightening the "dark" villagers. And Galya is Grisha’s sister and Kolya’s lover.
Guys, naturally, at first sight fall in love with the main character and begin to seek her favor, competing with each other. Galya is trying with all her might to keep the elusive groom and get rid of her rival. And Katya bathes in attention, diligently pretending that this does not bother her at all. However, the end of the story is written by the scriptwriter rather unexpected.
Starring
In terms of script and production, you can find fault with a lot, but in the series “Yesterday the war ended” the actors played very talentedly. In fact, it was their wonderful work that prevented this project from drowning, despite all its flaws.
The role of Katerina’s main irreconcilable rival went to Elena Dudina, who decided to change the stage to the light of cinematic jupiters. It was after this role that the actress was noticed. And it is well deserved. Her vivid and expressive game often overshadowed the performer of the main character in a professional way.
This is not to say that Yulia Mayboroda - the performer of the role of Katerina Ovsyannikova - played poorly or not enough lively. And here the main claims are more likely to the script itself than to the actress. But I would like the unconditional passion of the male part of the population to her person to be at least logically motivated, and not presented simply as a fact.
The stronger sex
The strategy for choosing rival young people was a win-win. According to the same principle, the producers select the composition of youth musical groups. They should have guys of different types - serious, funny, modest, mysterious, etc. This way a wider audience of fans is gained.
We see the same thing in the series "Yesterday the war ended." The reviews indicate that the army of spectators is divided into two camps - those who prefer the cheeky Kolya and those who prefer the serious and faithful Grisha.
The role of Nicholas was played by Anatoly Rudenko, an actor behind whom by the time of filming in the series there were already more than three dozen serious works. A tall, athletically built blond with blue eyes, regular facial features and a disarming smile is simply the standard of modern Apollo. As expected, the vast majority of young (and not so) fans with bated breath empathized with his hero.
Grisha Konyukhova was played by Nikolai Ivanov. His character - somewhat pensive and romantic - appealed to more mature viewers. Those who understand that enthusiasm and first love pass relatively quickly, and a man who you can rely on is really valuable precisely for its reliability.
Minor Characters
Speaking of actors, it would be a mistake not to mention the masters of the film industry - Bogdan Stupka and Lyubov Rudenko. Despite the roles of the second plan, their contribution to the series is very significant. And the colorful character of Grandfather Pyatak performed by Alexei Shevchenkov deserves a separate award.
So if you just want to pass the evening watching a light series - feel free to turn on “Yesterday the war ended” and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a not-so-deep, but in your own way sweet movie.