Well constructed, yet one-sided Soviet film using TarkovskyÂ´s methods

Rating: 6/10 (13 April 2018)

The film is "old" and I am pretty sure I had not seen it in my youth, but for a change - and based on good ratings here - I decided to find necessary 2+ hours... And obtained mixed feelings.
True, it is rather atypical Soviet film about war, reflective and running its course, without constant shootings and explosions, with religious elements. The leading character/performance is great, often "too much" - in a sense that all other characters are too minor and supporting, less than e.g. Belarusian nature which wildness and emptiness provide additional value (btw, periphery villages in Belarus look almost the same as in the film, with minor technical accessories visible).
On the other hand, one should bear in mind that this film was made before perestroika. thus all atrocities in the WW II were committed by Nazis only - so the Soviet people were told and that we see in the film. There is nothing about Soviet partisans stealing and plundering, confiscating properties, killing countrymen for living further in occupied territories, etc. Thus, in reality, Idi i smotri provides rather lopsided picture what was going on in those turbulent times and can be regarded a great work in terms of visual only.