Summary
Moya rodina is a 1930s Soviet drama that follows a young Chinese peasant named Van who gets caught up in border conflicts. After being forced into military service, he witnesses the brutality of his own officers before eventually crossing paths with the Red Army. It's a heavy-handed look at class solidarity and ideological awakening set against the backdrop of the Manchurian border.
Synopsis
The young Chinese peon Van, staying in an overnight house, becomes the casual victim of a recruiter. He is dressed in a soldier's overcoat and given a new rifle. At the same time, at a Soviet frontier post Red Army soldiers Vaska (Melnikov) and "Malyutka" (Nazarenko) are learning Chinese phrases about class unity with the peasants of Manchuria. Next, Quomintang soldiers with White Russian officers seize the Soviet border village. The wounded Red Army man Melnikov falls into their hands, and the young soldier Van, like the others who took part in the raid, witness the cruel interrogation of Vasily by Captain Alyabyev (Zhakov). The Chinese army begins a direct invasion of the USSR with an attack on a border bridge. At the cost of their own lives, several Red Army men hold positions. A massive counterattack by the Soviet troops rejects the enemy. Among many Chinese soldiers, Van is taken captive. After being fed he encounters an officer of his unit, who, demonstrating the most friendly and equal relations, persuades Van to help him escape. But, being free, the officer restores the distance and demands submission. In the course of the escape, Van kills the officer and returns to the location of the Red Army, having seen a fundamentally different, humane attitude towards the captured enemy. During the lightning operation, units of the Soviet troops occupy several border settlements and, after the signing of the Khabarovsk Protocol, victoriously return to their places of permanent deployment. Chinese peasants and farm laborers, among them Van, escort them like brothers.
Review Excerpt
"Is it worth your time?
If you're into the nitty-gritty of 1930s Soviet propaganda, Moya rodina is a fascinating relic. If you’re looking for something that moves with any kind of modern speed or subtlety, you’re going to have a rough time.
This is a movie that wears its heart—and its politics—right on its sleeve. It’s loud, it’s earnest, and it really wants you to understand the difference between the 'bad' invaders and the 'good' Red Army soldiers.
Watching the transformation
The story starts ..."