ARSENAL (1928) - ♦♦♦♦

Directed by - Aleksandr Dovzhenko

Written by - Aleksandr Dovzhenko

Starring - Semyon Svashenko, Amvrosi Buchma

"The second film in the Ukraine trilogy by director Alexander Dovzhenko. This film concerns an episode in the Russian Civil War in 1918, in which the Kiev Arsenal January Uprising of workers aided the Bolshevik army against the Ukranian national Parliament that held power in Ukraine at the time.

In true early Soviet cinema political fashion, this film restricts itself to a more collective narrative that aims to tell the story of many instead of the story of few. But while the narrative focus is sparse and arguably makes for a rather testing watch by any degree, Arsenal carries a lot of weight and power thanks to some truly powerful images, all of which are absolulely intense and static, using some avant garde viewpoints, lightplay and with careful attention given to the actual framing. 

Dhovzhenko moves by way or iron hearted poetry, and the humans in the film are mostly seemingly purposefully kept in the shadows. Very few intertitles are used and even their movements are very restricted often appearing worryingly still. 

Yes, within a poilitical context, the sentiments carried by Arsenal are arguable enough to still consider it a piece of Soviet propaganda. That is, however, not a fault but rather a categorisation. What is absolutely incredible to note is the shadow of a doubt it seems to cast over violent uprising, despite there being absolutely no doubt about Arsenal being sympathetic towards one cause and one cause only."

War, Soviet Union