Soviet cinema, known for its often heavy-handed approach to social issues, occasionally tackled the sensitive topic of rape. These films not only served as a mirror to society's darker corners but also aimed to provoke thought and discussion. Here's a curated list of Soviet films that delve into this complex theme, providing not just entertainment but also a profound look into the human psyche and societal norms.
Come and See (1985)
Description: This anti-war film includes scenes of extreme violence, including rape, to depict the horrors of the Eastern Front during WWII, making it one of the most intense Soviet films on the subject.
Fact: The film was shot in chronological order to capture the physical and emotional transformation of the lead actor.
Watch Now 
The Commissar (1967)
Description: This film, set during the Russian Civil War, explores the life of a female commissar who finds refuge with a Jewish family. While not directly about rape, it addresses the aftermath of sexual violence through the character's backstory, making it a poignant addition to this list.
Fact: The film was banned in the Soviet Union until 1988 due to its sensitive themes and was only released after the director's death.
Watch Now 
The Dawns Here Are Quiet (1972)
Description: This war drama includes a subplot where one of the female soldiers is raped by a German soldier, highlighting the personal tragedies within the larger context of war.
Fact: The film was remade in 2015, but the original version is still revered for its emotional depth.
Watch Now 
The Cranes Are Flying (1957)
Description: This film, while focusing on love and loss during WWII, includes a scene where the main character is nearly raped, reflecting the chaos and moral decay of war.
Fact: It won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1958, making it one of the most celebrated Soviet films internationally.
30 Days Free 
The Ballad of a Soldier (1959)
Description: While not the central theme, the film includes a subplot where a soldier encounters a woman who has been raped by German soldiers, offering a glimpse into the war's impact on civilians.
Fact: The film was critically acclaimed and won the BAFTA Award for Best Film from any Source in
30 Days Free 
The Ascent (1977)
Description: Although primarily a war film, "The Ascent" includes a harrowing scene of rape, highlighting the brutality of war and its impact on civilians, particularly women.
Fact: The film won the Golden Prize at the 10th Moscow International Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
30 Days Free 
The Shield and the Sword (1968)
Description: This spy thriller includes a scene where a female character is raped by a Nazi officer, illustrating the brutality of the enemy and the personal stakes of espionage.
Fact: The film was part of a series of Soviet spy films that were popular during the Cold War era.
30 Days Free 
The Story of Asya Klyachina (1967)
Description: This film, also known as "Asya's Happiness," deals with the life of a woman in a small village, where rape is a part of her tragic backstory, reflecting the harsh realities of rural life.
Fact: The film was initially banned and only released in 1988, showcasing the Soviet Union's reluctance to address such themes openly.
30 Days Free The Forty-First (1956)
Description: Although primarily a love story set during the Russian Civil War, the film includes a scene where the female protagonist is nearly raped, showcasing the vulnerability of women in wartime.
Fact: The film was remade in 1975, but the original version remains a classic of Soviet cinema.
30 Days Free The Unvanquished (1945)
Description: This film, set during WWII, includes a subplot where a woman is raped by German soldiers, showcasing the resilience of the Soviet people in the face of adversity.
Fact: It was one of the first Soviet films to openly address the atrocities committed by the Nazis against civilians.
30 Days Free 
