One literally sticks his neck out for Vassili, even though he knows that doing so is a death sentence. Danilov ultimately recognizes the futility of socialism, acknowledging that there will always be envy and disparity regardless of government s attempt to vanquish them. In other words, the human heart cannot be changed by politics. Danilov challenges the conventional communist wisdom that fear and intimidation are the best way to motivate troops. People speak of praying for Vassili on several occasions.
Some murders are more graphic than others.
Gory entry wounds. Splatters of blood. Crows picking at the flesh of casualties. Elsewhere, a young boy is shown hanging from a noose. Rather than face disgrace, a Russian officer who failed in battle takes Krushchev s advice and commits suicide.