Chapaev: Potatoes, Tactics, and a Real Legend

Is this for you?

If you have a thing for old-school war movies that actually focus on the people instead of just explosions, you’ll probably find something to like here. But if you’re looking for a polished, modern epic, you’re gonna be bored out of your mind. This is definitely for the crowd that likes their cinema a bit dusty and rough around the edges.

Honestly, the whole thing feels like a fever dream of the 1930s. It’s got that specific black-and-white grit that makes everything feel like it's happening in another dimension. You can tell they were trying to sell you on a legend, but Chapaev himself—played by Boris Babochkin—feels weirdly real.

The Potato Moment

There’s this scene where he’s trying to explain a battle plan to his staff. He doesn’t have a fancy map or a pointer, so he just grabs a bunch of potatoes off the dinner table and starts shoving them around. It’s stupidly simple, but it tells you everything you need to know about the guy. He’s sharp as a tack without ever needing to crack a book.

I caught myself thinking about Buck Privates halfway through, just because the contrast in tone is so jarring. You go from that kind of lighthearted, slapstick energy to this intense, muddy battlefield, and it’s a total whiplash. The stakes in Chapaev feel heavy, even when the camerawork is acting a bit frantic.

The pacing is… well, it’s not exactly tight. There are moments where the dialogue just drags on, and you’re waiting for something to actually happen. But then you get a sudden charge or a bit of back-and-forth between the characters that snaps you right back in.

I’m still thinking about the way he handles the Tzar’s officers. It’s almost like watching a chess master who only knows how to move his pieces by throwing them at the opponent. It’s messy, it’s chaotic, and it works.

Sometimes the film feels like it’s trying to convince you that this is the absolute truth, which is a bit much. It’s a propaganda piece at heart, obviously. But when you strip away the political shouting, you’re just left with a story about a guy who really, really didn't want to lose.

• The sound design is pretty primitive, but it gives the gunfights this weirdly visceral punch.
• The supporting cast feels like they were pulled straight off a farm, which is a compliment to the casting director.
• I really don’t know why, but the way they use the lighting in the tent scenes makes everyone look like they’re hiding a secret.
• It’s a long sit. Don't expect to breeze through this one.

If you can look past the heavy-handed hero worship, there’s a surprisingly tender heart in the middle of all that Russian civil war nonsense. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s definitely not something you just watch and forget the next day. It stays with you, like a stubborn stain on your shirt. 🥔