The Last Frontier (2020) User Reviews

Could have been a good movie.

[Breumaster · 6/10 · 27 April 2021]

It has good characters and an interesting subject. The war scenes are professional taken with explosions and soldiers flying through the air when that happens. So far so good. But the story is boring in long parts and through the hole time - except the battle scenes - the music tries to ballance the weak dialogues; tries to make them more interesting. Most of the time the movie drips from patriotism and has less scenes to point out the fears of war. The soldiers are unrealistic motivated, no weakling, no coward. It's a black and white scenario. Here the good, there the bad. It's a one dimensional drawing of the.incidences. There is no bad russian in this movie, but all bad people are on the other side. Underlined with dozends of cheesy patriotic expressions.

It had the chance to be something special, just because of the professional making. But the nerve killing cheese score blew it. And of course the weak dialogues. Sorry for the actors. They seem to have tried their best.

A Decent Russian War Flick

[lucidskyline · 7/10 · 3 June 2021]

I've had a bit of a historical interest in the war on the Eastern Front since childhood. The attempt at historical accuracy in this movie was much appreciated, although I'm not an expert. The battle scenes might seem a little slow to some, but when you compare it to actual war footage it's not really. Hollywood movies tend to speed things up for extra dramatic effect.

There is an air attack scene by Stukas dropping what appear to be barrel bombs. I guess that must have actually happened. But that scene ends with a Heinkel dumping it's load on the front line. It's a bombing scene that is high budget and impressive, clearly not CGI. It reminded me of that bombing scene in Apocalypse Now where they had only one chance to get it right due to the cost. I expect that was true for this given all the explosives and damage it actually did.

As somebody else pointed out the Germans were highly trained and the Russians usually lost more people in confrontations. This is reflected in the movie. Unlike some Hollywood movies where a dozen or more German soldiers are killed for every allied soldier. It also shows realistic tactics used by the Germans to deal with a Russian ambush by fighting while repositioning to flank their artillery.

It shows women right up there on the front line. That was authentic for the Eastern Front. Completely unheard of on the Western Front.

Yes the dialogue is pants and it's clearly hyper patriotic. But then how must our war movies seem to them? Despite this there are no happy endings here and a very worthwhile watch to see the variety of German tanks, the artillery tactics and the realistic location.

Although not the same type of movie, and not in the same league, it has given me the idea to re-watch Klimov's masterpiece of war horror: Come and See. If you haven't seen that one I very highly recommend it.

It is not your regular blockbuster...

[emholberg · 8/10 · 18 May 2021]

Even though I was not impressed with the dialogues and some rather overdone depiction of the soviet era characters (however, they did exist), I would prefer this movie over some cr*p like "Fury"(2014), where "cool dude" like Brad Pit almost wins WWII, killing elite German military by hundreds)) You wouldn't find anything like that in the long line of the Russian military movies. If you expect a hollywood style flick - don't bother. If you want to learn some REAL history about WWII - watch it.

Russians know a thing or two about WWII, since they fought the whole Europe and won.

if you can get passed the terrible dub...

[djthirkettle · 7/10 · 23 December 2021]

Itunes only sold the english dub version with i didn't see until after i bought it. Russians speaking with cartoon american accents... i mean this is 2021... listening to russians speaking english is bad enough can't they at least have russian accents? Or at least not terrible american ones that sound like they are from a 1980s kung fu movie? The movie is great when they are not talking. Watch the original language and subtitles if you don't want to hate this movie and love it instead. Seriously.

Good movie after the first 30 minutes

[perbj · 7/10 · 6 May 2021]

Basically the first 30 minutes might give you the opinion this movie suck. I had a really hard time cooping with the dubbing and what it looked like bad effects. I decided to give it a shot though.

However, the effects are sometimes massive, perhaps especially the scene with the medium bomber. Rating from fairly good to great.

But I think the Germans are portraied in a better way speeking native language.

Dubbing takes some stars out of this movie and a pretty boring first 30 min ending up in good overall.

Quite watchable war movie

[smoratti · 7/10 · 2 May 2021]

OK forget the obvious soviet propaganda which is no worse than hundreds of american and british movies about WWII. Good action sequences, slightly cheesy ending. Well worth a watch. Slight quibble - all the german tanks seemed very light, where were the tigers, panthers and leopards?.

good patriotic filmaking...

[ops-52535 · 6/10 · 23 April 2021]

In an era of saberclinging at the eastern front these days, a film that is meant to encourage the young and bold to stand up for the motherland whatever and whenever and very much adressed into current issues. That said and put aside, comes the romantic interludes where love litterally makes men loose half their heads, and where marriage proposals and acceptations is done in the pillboxes and trenches of the battle of podolsk 1941., its seems like a quater of the troops gets a headshot will jumping around hooraying ones first kill, and gets shot dead instantly by better trained troops., do take in consideration that the story based on true events is about artilley cadets/ pupils without combat training, and that may explain a lot.

The prodction management though is probably some of the best ive seen in a russian film over the last few years, good equipment, nice explotions and realistic visual effect, which there is much of., the fight scenes are quite short but impressive even for a grumpy old man.

Acting as mentioned quite cheesy, optimistic and made to act as if they were gun fodder for the germans, historicallythe russian soldiers where 2 men on one rifle at the battle fields of 2nd ww, so maybe thats why. To make a hollywood comparition on the human aspects i feel ''pearl harbour '' couldve fallen in the same cathegory.

But by all means its a watchable movie, but slow and long playtime, sad and emotional at times as per prescription, i give a recommend.

True tragic story of human sacrifice and heroism

[mrakvampire · 9/10 · 9 November 2020]

New huge step in quality in modern Russian war movie industry. Huge attention to details and superb casting. I would not call acting superb, but it's decent and overall story, though quite simple, is effective in telling a story of heroism of Podolsk Cadets, who, basically, saved Moscow in October'41.

This is not standard Hollywood propaganda movie. You will not see protagonists-superheroes that vanquish stupid weak enemies in front of national flag in flowing capes. Be ready for gritty war movie that shows suffering, panicked soldiers and dying heroes that you would love to see survive into happy end.

Must see for everyone who like war movies or want to experience horrors and heroism on WW2 Eastern Front.

The Last Frontier is a typical Russian film about the Great Patriotic War

[eva3si0n · 6/10 · 16 October 2021]

The Last Frontier is a typical Russian film about the Great Patriotic War, shot with the support of the state. Sterile - everything I want to say about German. It is clearly shot with one goal - to show it in a history lesson to schoolchildren. But no more. There is no story, there is no character development here. Finals, too. Unfortunately, the film does not go into any comparison with another Russian film telling a similar story - Panfilov's 28 Men.

Abysmal

[richkiel · 1/10 · 29 October 2021]

Endless battle scenes that provoke no emotion at all, characters that talk nonsense most of the time, and every silly trope Russian WWII cinema has on its repertoire. From a German officer that is being served breakfast while listening to a gramophone and fishing without taking his leather gloves off, to nimble and fearless Russian soldiers who amidst an artillery attack find the time to steal fruit from the Germans.

I think this film is final proof that Russians need to stop making WWII films. This whole war movie industry is a pit of nonsense, ridiculous tropes, and fake patriotism. Its main purpose is to vindicate the USSR and communism, and serve as an ideological support for Russia as a neo-USSR of sorts. It is about time Russians ditched the communist era, as it was the time their people got crippled beyond belief. Not by Germans, not by fascists, but by communists, who killed more Russians than what the casualties in both world wars combined were. And bury that red star once and for all.

Excellent Russian made war movie.

[roondogbb · 9/10 · 6 November 2021]

I am an avid fan of ww2 history and I enjoy reading as much as I can about it, so inevitably I'm a big fan of ww2 movies. What drew me to The Last Frontier was that unlike other movies made by hollywood depicting an eastern front battle. "Enemy at The Gates." comes to mind. All the actors and actresses here are Russian and speak Russian, which gives this movie a level of authenticity that Hollywood doesn't aim for that often... This movie portrays the Battle of Moscow at its most desperate hour. Operation Barbarossa is well underway and the majoity of the frontline Soviet armies have been surrounded and destroyed. Time is everything. The Soviet top generals need more time so they can raise new and fresh armies from the interior of Russia and to movie them to front. All the while holding the Germans back from taking Moscow at all costs. The situation being so desperate that very young trainee cadets from the artillary and infantry school of Podolsk are called to the front to hold back the German's seemingly unstoppable advance. From Podolsk we meet several of the students there, both male and female. The time spent engaging with them prior to battle really allows the viewer to care for them when everything goes downhill.

There is a love triangle where two boys fall for one girl but she only cares for one in a romantic way, while the other is like a brother. But it doesn't feel like cheap emotion. I watched it thinking that the movie feels extremely genuine in that regard. I came away from the movie feeling asking myself a hypothetical, what would have happened if one day in my very small college where I studied. We were asked to fend off an invasion and were handed weapons and death could happen to yourself or your closest of friends at any moment. I was transported into this movie by this thought.

I watched the movie in the Russian and not dubbed. I'm not a fan of dubbed movies so I can't speak for how good or bad the dubbing was. But the genuine emotion I felt from the original actors talking, I didn't feel the need the dubbing. The action scenes were excellent for a war movie. My heart strings were pulled more than a few times. I just wish more Russian ww2 films of this quality existed, that would explore other aspects of tbe war. 9/10 I really can't fault this movie.

The final stand

[irthrycr · 27 February 2022]

I can't express my feelings in writing... The movie was very good and I am not satisfied with the evaluation of this movie because it deserves more than it is.

The Last Defense Line to Moscow

[claudio_carvalho · 7/10 · 22 October 2023]

In October, 1941, the German troops are heading to Moscow and the soviets do not have any troop nearby to protect their capital. Colonel Strelbitsky (Evgeniy Dyatlov), who is the head of the Podolsk Artillery School, is ordered to use his 3,500 cadets to defend the last stand to Moscow until the last man while the Russian troops return to assume the protection. The cadets have few provisions, ammunition and weapons, but they bravely defend their motherland.

"Podolskiye kursanty" (2020), a.k.a. "The Last Frontier", is a great Russian war movie based on true events. The story is presented with romance and dramatization, but it is sad to see the effects of war in a young generation that should be studying and dating, but are sent to death instead. It is beautiful to see the patriotism of the youths, and the beauty of the actresses. The Russian actors are also handsome men, and the number of extras is also impressive. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "A Última Linha de Defesa" ("The Last Defense Line")

Rambos

[bren-t-mgr · 4/10 · 26 August 2021]

There is only one Rambo in America In Russia all the military personnel are Rambo, some are Rambos with good luck some are Rambos with bad luck, some are male Rambos some are female Rambos, but they're all.... RAMBOS, fearless Rambos!!!

Love and war, beauty and death.

[kigerajoe-70262 · 9/10 · 5 September 2021]

The most poignant scene in this movie is when he looks at his bride to be and she looks at him knowing their future together is never to be, they are about to die together having never really got to know each other. They will never marry nor raise children nor grow old together things that most people take for granted. This is the scene that shatters the myth of war. This is the scene that exposes war for what it is and this is the scene which shows humanity between two people when all is lost. Very few movies have this scene because in most the hero and his girl survive. The look in both their eyes is of love, loss and tragedy and so well portrayed by these actors. The battle scene and build up are but supports for this final scene. Excellent movie.

Thats 2 hours I wont get back

[sierragolf-42219 · 1/10 · 6 May 2021]

I had great expectations for this movie. Russians war movies, apart from their woeful patriotic dialogue, do considerably well with realism and authenticity. This movie didn't seem to have any. The production appeared to lack any military guidance or consultation? The tanks and equipment were spot on for 1941 (no, there were no Tigers or Panthers in 1941) but the tactics and action were dumbed right down.

So many German tanks that you don't want to miss

[leuk0606 · 9/10 · 10 April 2021]

Full of German tanks including Panzer I, Panzer II, Panzer III, Stug and T38 Skoda on screen makes all military fans must not miss the movie at all. Strongly recommended.

As always...

[beloglazovegor · 4/10 · 9 November 2020]

Here is another russian war film, sponsored by the "kino" fund. The film has good battle scenes and effects, but nothing more. The story is pretty dull and bad.

Good historical movie

[milagrochoulepov · 10/10 · 2 December 2020]

Loved it. Good actors, based on real story, awesome battle scenes. Watched it with family. Everyone enjoyed.

As Puddle deep as many u.s. war films!

[phlbrq58 · 5/10 · 23 February 2022]

Back in the 70s in the states we only saw international art films. The only Russian films were Soviet Montage and Tarkovsky. So now we get to see other countries' commercial cinema ie imitations of bad hollywood movies. Acting talent and commitment, production values, screenplay beats and cliches are all present. Criticism: The costuming and hair were too neat. I think its as good as Sands of Iwo, or Heartbreak Ridge but that's small beer.

Pretty Good

[extremyo · 8/10 · 11 May 2021]

First, the production quality is really top notch. Very impressive camera work too 10/10 Set 10/10 Second, cast is good and believable. Acting is above average 7/10. Chemistry between the leads is 8/10.

Third, fight sequences are gritty and gripping. You just don't know whats about to happen next 9/10.

Fourth, there are some trope elements but it's alright and forgivable 6/10.

Won't comment on the historical accuracy but the attention to detail of the props, tanks, artillery, outfits was nice. Very professional. Now there's some love angle here and there, but these are kids who went to war! Most of their behaviour also seems justified because of this fact. It's a slightly dark movie in it's overall tone of colour grading as well as the mood.

Overall, recommended.

Easily a one time watch.

Brutal and realistic, with a lot of real early WWII tech

[the_wolf_imdb · 9/10 · 8 February 2021]

This is not typical war movie, not even by Russian standards. First, it is very rough and bleak as it takes place in the worst possible moment of defense - October 1941 before Moscow. About 2/3 of young officers in training that have been put in the front of German advance actually died in the combat - and no, most of the heroes will not survive the fight.

On the other hand it is unusually realistic. Russians actually used real German vehicles from 1941 from museums and private collections - from PzKpfw38(t) and early StuG III and also halftracks and a lot of cars. Uniforms of the soldiers do match the early war era and their equipment too - so no waves of fake Tigers but also only those kinda pathetic 45 mm anti tank guns. This makes the movie unusually realistic in a way I have not seen before - even though there is a lot of CGI as well.

It is depressing, bloody and rough. I aplaud for this, because the authors have reduced usual patriotism and replaced it with pure desperation. Many young soldiers are scared and know they will not survive this, not their friends, not their loves - it is cruel and desperate fight to the death comparable to, for example, Saving Private Ryan.

It is not a fun show and left me depressed and sad, but also somehow understanding decisions of many soldiers not to run and instead fight for a few minutes more just to die in a rather gruesome way. This is the heroism: Voluntary decision to suppress the fear and rather die than run.

So I can recommend it both for WWII tech fans and for those who would like to learn a bit about the desperation of Soviet command in the autumn of 1941 where everything just seemed lost so they throw even young trainees in the meatgrinder just to buy some days for defense. Both thumbs up!

truly great movie.

[grant_sneddon · 10/10 · 23 April 2021]

The movie is lossly based on the true events in the defense of moscow.

The movie is in insight into the harts and minds of the Russian people. It is nice to watch a movie that is not about how the americans saved the day or Bruce willis killing 1000 people with only on handgun.

The story tells of how the Russian people were willing to give up everything to defend the motherland from an ivading force.

For the mother land!

[hectordanielbuelna · 9/10 · 9 May 2021]

Great acting, awesome art direction, good sound design and some pretty good action scenes full of practical effects and some seemless CGI.

When I came across this movie I "pinned it" jut because it had a catching tittle and a very peculiar thumbnail. I didn't expect much, since I actually watch a lot of weird artsy, foreing and B-movies. But this... This movie is so much better that ever expected.

I've seen a lot of people complaining about the story, but it isn't about the story or what the characters are trying to accomplish as much as the characters themselves. You really get invested in every soldier and the direction makes you feel every lost of life on screen. You have to witness the brutality of war through the eyes of a buncha kids, but you don't feel sad, cause each and everyone of them understands what they are fighting for and are willing to die for it.

In the end you get this melancholic feeling of heroism and you might even shed a tear while smiling for all of the fallen soldiers saved their land.

Excellent WWII Depiction

[jbearheart · 8/10 · 30 April 2021]

Superb action. Very well acted. Realistic war activity as regards methods and missions. Very highly recommended. Cannot go wrong with this movie.