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Attack from the Sea

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1953 film by Mikhail Romm

Attack from the Sea
Directed byMikhail Romm
Written byAleksandr Shtein
StarringIvan Pereverzev
Gennadi Yudin
Vladimir Druzhnikov
Sergei Bondarchuk
CinematographyYu-Lan Chen
Aleksandr Shelenkov
Edited byYeva Ladyzhenskaya
Music byAram Khachaturian
Production
company		Mosfilm
Release date
  • 1953 (1953)
Running time94 minutes
CountrySoviet Union
LanguageRussian

Attack from the Sea (Russian: Корабли штурмуют бастионы, romanized: Korabli shturmuyut bastiony, lit. 'Ships Are Storming Bastions') is a 1953 Soviet biographical war film directed by Mikhail Romm and starring Ivan Pereverzev, Gennadi Yudin and Vladimir Druzhnikov.

The film is about the career of the Russian naval officer Fyodor Ushakov and the Siege of Corfu (1798–99). It was made by the Moscow-based Ministry of Cinematography by the production unit Mosfilm, in Agfa-color, renamed Sovcolor by Moscow. It is the sequel to Admiral Ushakov, released the same year.

Plot

The film is set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean campaign (1798–1800) led by Admiral Fyodor Ushakov during the War of the Second Coalition. Ushakov’s fleet, in collaboration with Turkish forces, undertakes a mission to liberate the Ionian Islands from French control and secure strategic positions in the region. The story unfolds as political intrigue and personal rivalries emerge: Ushakov faces opposition from his detractors at court and navigates tensions with British Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose conflicting interests threaten the fragile alliance. Amidst these challenges, Ushakov demonstrates innovative naval tactics, particularly during the decisive assault on Corfu, where he overcomes insurmountable odds to secure a key victory.

As the campaign progresses, the film delves into the complexities of geopolitics, showcasing the strained relationships between allied powers. Ushakov’s moral compass clashes with the ruthless methods of his British counterparts, as seen during the aftermath of the liberation of Naples, where mass executions of French prisoners and republican sympathizers occur. Despite these setbacks, Ushakov remains steadfast in his mission, advocating for justice and unity. His leadership culminates in the liberation of Rome and the establishment of the Republic of the Seven United Islands, a strategic foothold for Russia in the Mediterranean, guided by a constitution written by Ushakov himself.

However, Ushakov’s triumphs are met with indifference upon his return to Russia. With the ascension of Emperor Alexander I, he is unjustly retired, his contributions overshadowed by court politics. Years later, in 1811, Ushakov visits a naval ship and is greeted with reverence by his former comrades, who honor his legacy as a visionary leader. The film concludes on a poignant note, reflecting on Ushakov’s enduring impact on naval history and his unwavering commitment to duty and humanity.

Cast

References

  1. Rollberg p.249

Bibliography

  • Rollberg, Peter. Historical Dictionary of Russian and Soviet Cinema. Scarecrow Press, 2008.

External links

Films by Mikhail Romm


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