Mikhail Sholokhov

The film is based on the eponymous book by Mikhail Sholokhov. Action is set in Russia in July of 1942 during the Second World War. The advancing Nazi Armies are approaching Stalingrad. The Russians are exhausted and outnumbered. But in a bloody battle the invading Nazi Armies are stopped at Stalingrad. (imdb)

A six-hour long epic (original director's cut) about the life of Don Cossacs in a village in southern Russia between 1912 and 1922... (imdb)

With World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution, and the Russian Civil War as backdrop, it's an old-fashioned, blood-and-guts narrative, filled with earthly humor and a wealth of colorful characters. The story concerns the fluctuating fortunes of Grigory Melekhov, a young Cossack who is both a hero and a victim of the uprising. (imdb)

A battle-weary soldier during the American Civil War is inspired to carry on when his mare gives birth, and disobeys orders to shoot the newborn foal. In time his comrades-in-arms come to regard the little colt as an omen of good luck - and when he and the mare are stolen by the enemy, their fearless owner is bent on bringing them back.

Drama of the social struggles on the Don during the Russian Civil War. (imdb)