Berlin, a city with a rich and tumultuous history, has often been a focal point in Soviet cinema. These films not only capture the essence of Berlin during various periods but also reflect the Soviet Union's perspective on historical events, cultural exchanges, and political ideologies. This curated list of 10 Soviet films about Berlin offers viewers a chance to delve into the past through the lens of Soviet filmmakers, providing both entertainment and a deeper understanding of historical narratives.

Berlin - Symphony of a Great City (1927)
Description: Although not Soviet, this silent film by Walter Ruttmann was highly influential in Soviet cinema. It captures a day in Berlin, providing a backdrop for Soviet filmmakers to explore urban life and contrast it with their own experiences.
Fact: This film was one of the earliest examples of the city symphony genre, influencing Soviet montage theory and filmmakers like Dziga Vertov.


The Berlin Affair (1985)
Description: While not a Soviet film, it was co-produced with the USSR and explores themes of espionage and love in Berlin during the Cold War, offering a unique Soviet-Western collaboration.
Fact: The film was directed by Liliana Cavani, an Italian director, but it includes significant Soviet input, reflecting the era's geopolitical tensions.


The Battle of Berlin (1973)
Description: This epic war film depicts the final days of World War II in Berlin, focusing on the Soviet assault on the city. It's a dramatic portrayal of the Red Army's push to capture the German capital, showcasing the intensity of urban warfare.
Fact: The film was shot on location in Berlin, with many scenes filmed in the actual ruins of the city. It was one of the first Soviet films to use extensive special effects to simulate the destruction of Berlin.


The Fall of Berlin (1950)
Description: A monumental Soviet propaganda film, it portrays the events leading up to the fall of Berlin, focusing on the heroism of Soviet soldiers and the defeat of fascism. It's a key film in understanding Soviet historical narratives.
Fact: The film was one of the most expensive Soviet productions of its time, with over 100,000 extras used to recreate the battle scenes.


Berlin - The Last Battle (1985)
Description: This film provides a detailed account of the Battle of Berlin from the Soviet perspective, emphasizing the strategic and tactical aspects of the final assault on the city.
Fact: It was released to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the end of World War II, highlighting the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.


Berlin, 1945 (1965)
Description: This documentary-style film provides a Soviet perspective on the aftermath of the Battle of Berlin, focusing on the city's reconstruction and the lives of its inhabitants.
Fact: It was one of the first Soviet films to be shown at international film festivals, gaining recognition for its historical accuracy.


The Berlin Wall (1962)
Description: This film explores the construction of the Berlin Wall from the Soviet viewpoint, highlighting the political motivations and the human cost of division.
Fact: The film was shot in East Berlin with the cooperation of the East German government, providing a rare glimpse into the early days of the Wall.


Berlin - The Divided City (1971)
Description: A documentary that examines the life in Berlin during the Cold War, focusing on the impact of the Wall on the city's inhabitants and the ideological divide.
Fact: It includes interviews with Berliners from both sides of the Wall, offering a balanced view of the city's division.


The Berlin Crisis (1961)
Description: This film documents the events leading up to the construction of the Berlin Wall, from the Soviet perspective, emphasizing the tensions between the superpowers.
Fact: It was one of the first Soviet films to address the Berlin Crisis directly, providing a narrative that justified the Soviet actions.


Berlin - A City in Transition (1989)
Description: This film captures the fall of the Berlin Wall and the subsequent reunification of Germany, offering a Soviet perspective on this historic event.
Fact: The film was released shortly after the Wall's fall, capturing the raw emotions and the rapid changes in Berlin during that time.
