Pelageya Nilovna Vlasova, is a poor mother, living with her son Pavel. Pavel is interested in the revolution (the Russian revolution of 1905 against the Czarist regime), soon he is caught and the mother's attempt of saving him causes more trouble.
The film concerns murder, injustice and revolution, but feels eerily similar to every other Russian movie made in the 1920s. 'The End of St Petersburg', 'Oktabyr' and, of course, 'The Battleship Potemkin' all feature the same story, translated into slightly different contexts. First there is the struggle, where life is the hard and repetitive and the main characters are withstanding the system. This ends with a major act of injustice. The second third concerns the talk and plotting of revolution and features anticipation for the final third, where revolution occurs, people get constantly massacred and ends in a victory. It's a formula which works, but repeated far too often in Russian silent films. 'Mother' plays to all these plot points.
Even when you know the inevitable plot twists, this has to be the most entertaining film to watch them happen. Despite the dull beginning, the ending trumps 'The End of St Petersburg' and 'Oktabyr' hands down. The storming of a prison is far more enjoyable then I expected, and the marching of people to the valiant soundtrack is an effective way to appeal to an audience and have them on their side. The fast editing combined with the well-framed and large variety of shots creates a stunning finale.
The difference with this film, in comparison with the other Russian, silent, revolutionary epics, is that this concerns the love of a mother. the mother is a metaphor for Mother Russia, and the dedication she has for her sons. With all the battles going on, the film never loses sight of the human aspect of the story, a mother's love for her two sons.
TO CONCLUDE
This Potemkin wannabe is an entertaining watch. Things really escalate for the finale.
SCORE
69
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