The Pilot. A Battle for Survival is a Russian historical drama film, directed by Renat Davletyarov based on the real-life story of Nikolai Komlev, a Soviet fighter pilot who survived a plane crash during World War II. The film was released in Russia on September 24, 2020.
The movie starts with Nikolai Komlev (played by Pavel Priluchny) flying an IL-2 plane on a mission to stop the German invasion of Russia in 1941. During the mission, his plane is hit by enemy fire, and he crash-lands in a remote forest in north-western Russia. With a leg injury and limited supplies, he embarks on a journey to walk back to the nearest Soviet-controlled territory. However, he faces numerous challenges along the way, from extreme weather conditions to the threat of Nazi soldiers, wild animals, and hunger.
As he battles to survive in the wilderness, flashbacks show Komlev's life before the war, including his love for his wife, Vera (played by Agne Grudyte). The memories give him the strength to continue on his arduous journey. Komlev's resilience under extreme circumstances and his unwavering determination to reach safety become the central themes of the movie.
The Pilot. A Battle for Survival is a gripping tale of survival that highlights the heroism of the Soviet people during WWII. Pavel Priluchny's performance as Nikolai Komlev is both nuanced and powerful, portraying the character's tenacity and emotional vulnerability. The film's spectacular cinematography and haunting soundtrack create a visceral and emotional experience that immerses the viewer in the story.