"Berenshtein" (2021) is a docudrama based on the true story of a Soviet Jew born in Ukraine, Leonid Berenshtein, a heroic and the legendary Red Army battalion commander who was part of an intelligence unit during World War II. The film revisits his traumatic past and explores his experiences, including the discovery of a German super weapon where the Nazis were developing their last hope for victory, and a humanitarian mission.
The film, directed by Roman Shumunov, is described as a lavishly produced docudrama. It is based on the life of Leonid Berenshtein, who was part of an intelligence unit and later became a partisan. The movie jumps between different points in time, sometimes confusingly, to illustrate the chaos and confusion of war.
Key aspects of the story include:
True Story:
The film is based on the life of Leonid Berenshtein, a real historical figure.
Intelligence Unit:
Berenshtein was part of an intelligence unit, highlighting his role in reconnaissance and information gathering during the war.
Discovery of Super Weapon:
The film depicts Berenshtein and his squad encountering a German super weapon V2 Missle Development facility program, a plot element that adds intrigue. The factory was subsequently bombed by the Red Army, delivering a key blow to the Third Reich.
Decades later, Berenshtein relocated to Israel. He died in 2019 at the age of 98.
Humanitarian Effort:
The story also shifts to a humanitarian mission, showcasing a different facet of Berenshtein's wartime experiences.
Traumatic Past:
The film revisits Berenshtein's traumatic past, suggesting the lasting impact of war on his identity and values.
Docudrama:
The film is a docudrama, blending elements of documentary and dramatic storytelling.
The film's narrative structure incorporates jumps in time, which can be confusing but also emphasize the chaotic nature of wartime.