Ballad of a Soldier
Performance & Direction: Ballad of a Soldier Review
Last updated: February 6, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ballad of a Soldier (1959) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Ballad of a Soldier features a noteworthy lineup led by Vladimir Ivashov . Supported by the likes of Zhanna Prokhorenko and Antonina Maksimova , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Ballad of a Soldier
Quick Plot Summary: Ballad of a Soldier is a Drama, Romance, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Ballad of a Soldier
Ending Breakdown: Ballad of a Soldier resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Ballad of a Soldier demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Ballad of a Soldier Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Ballad of a Soldier uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, romance, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Ballad of a Soldier successfully translates real events into compelling cinema. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Ballad of a Soldier?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: Ballad of a Soldier
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Where to Watch Ballad of a Soldier Online?
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Criterion ChannelBallad of a Soldier Parents Guide & Age Rating
1959 AdvisoryWondering about Ballad of a Soldier age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ballad of a Soldier is 89 minutes (1h 29m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Ballad of a Soldier is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1959 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballad of a Soldier worth watching?
Ballad of a Soldier is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ballad of a Soldier parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ballad of a Soldier identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ballad of a Soldier?
The total duration of Ballad of a Soldier is 89 minutes, which is approximately 1h 29m long.
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Critic Reviews for Ballad of a Soldier
When the young "Alyosha" (Vladimir Ivashov) risks life and limb to take out a couple of approaching Nazi tanks, his Comrade General (Nikolay Kryuchkov) proudly suggests an official citation for his bravery. Instead, he pleads to be allowed to travel home to fix his mother's roof. The battalion is due for some rest anyway, so he is given a furlough for six days to get home and get back. Armed with some tins of beef and a message from one of his colleagues to his sweetheart, he sets off on a journey across a war-torn land where he has to use his wits and guile to make it in time. Along the way he meets "Shura" (Zhanna Prokhorenko) who is also fleeing from their invaders and after a typically nervous start in a hay-strewn railway carriage, the two begin to bond as their journey reminds them not just of the dangers of soldiering during wartime, but also of the fairly profound effects that can have on a civilian population struggling for basics - physical and emotional. Aleksandr Kuznetsov is really the only other actor to have anything like a recurring role - he is the train sentry not averse to a little tinned beef either, otherwise it's down to the two actors to tell a story of endurance and love that is really quite endearing. The horrors of war are never far away, but they don't overwhelm a plot that is essentially about humanity, decency and family in the face of unpredictability and fear - a toxic combination for a couple yet to get out of their teens. Ivashov shines here. His character's innocence and integrity are possibly designed for propagandist purposes, but they swiftly rise above that to show us a story of a young man who could just as easily have fought for any of the allies during WWII - and I thought he delivered it really personably. There's a hint of jeopardy at the end and as his journey is frequently tinged with a realism that isn't all rose-coloured cottages the whole thing comes across as a plausible tale of the impact of conflict and of, potently, what they were all fighting for in the first place. There's a lot packed into the ninety minutes, including some humour now and again, and I did enjoy it.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
