On February 23, Russia celebrates the Day of Military Glory — Defender of the Fatherland Day. On February 23, 1918, the Red Guard units achieved their first victories near Pskov and Narva over the regular forces of Kaiser Germany. These initial victories marked the “birth of the Red Army.” In 1922, this date was officially declared the Day of the Red Army. Later, on February 23, it was annually celebrated in the USSR as a nationwide holiday — the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. For most Russians, this is an important and meaningful date. On this day, congratulations are extended not only to men but also to women, including veterans of the Great Patriotic War and female service members.
“28 Panfilov’s Men”
Directors: Kim Druzhinin, Andrey Shalopa
Screenplay: Andrey Shalopa
Cast: Alexander Ustyugov, Oleg Fyodorov, Yakov Kucherevsky
2016* 120 min.
English subtitles.
Autumn of the harsh year 1941. Twenty-eight soldiers of the rifle division are stationed at the Dubosekovo railway platform near Volokolamsk. They are led by General Ivan Vasilyevich Panfilov. Two enemy tank divisions, outnumbering and outgunning them, are intent on breaking through the defense. The Panfilov’s men must withstand several hours of unequal battle, blocking the path of the fascists with their own bodies. After all, Moscow is just a couple of hours away…
