Вальс

A TV film about how the hard days of the siege of Leningrad united the residents of a communal apartment. 1941. Teenager Petya is taken in by a neighboring family after the death of his mother. The boy goes to work at the factory, and when his younger brother Vovka is found, Petya strives to replace his father.

Directed by Viktor Titov, Вальс leans on a strong ensemble — Andrei Nikonov, Irina Varley, Alisa Freyndlikh — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1969.