Father of a Soldier (1964) – A Timeless Tale of a Father's Love That Stays With You Forever
This is one of my favorite movies since I was a kid. The story of a father who goes to visit his son in the hospital after he was wounded in WWII, but when he arrives, he learns that his son got well and went back to war. So he decides to find him, and they tell him he's just two hours away. That's how it starts—and he will follow his son all the way to Germany in the hope of finding him and seeing him. The story is so touching from the beginning until the end. There are moments and scenes that once you watch them, you can't forget. For me, this movie is the kind that once you watch it, it has a lasting impact on you. As it did to me when I was a kid, and many others who watched it. Time to time, I rewatch it. That's how beautifully it's made. My rating for this movie is 10 out of 10.
Starring Sergo Zakariadze as Giorgi Makharashvili, this Georgian-Russian WWII drama is directed by Rezo Chkheidze based on a script by Suliko Jgenti. In the middle of World War II, Giorgi, a peasant wine grower from Georgia, travels to the front lines to find his wounded son, and ends up traveling with the army all the way to Berlin. It earned a 10/10 from me. Let's dig into the details.
The Plot: A Father's Journey Through War
An old man goes to visit his wounded son in a hospital, but it turns out that he's already been released and is back on the front lines. Reluctant to return home empty-handed, he tries to follow and find him. What follows is an epic journey through the chaos of war, as this simple peasant father travels across battlefields, through destruction and death, all for the chance to see his son one more time. No spoilers here, but the film takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that earns every tear it sheds. It's a story about love, determination, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child. The war is the backdrop, but the heart of the film is the father's relentless hope.
The Unforgettable Moments
There are scenes in this film that once you watch them, you can never forget. First is the moment when he wants to go to the front lines, but the army won't let him because he's a civilian. So he decides to become a soldier so he can go and find his son. But the commander doesn't accept him because he's old. So he asks them: "Let's wrestle. If anyone can beat me, I'll go back home. If not, take me to the army." This moment is one of a kind—you can remember it forever. Second, one of the best moments is when in Germany he crosses a bridge and there is writing that the first to pass this bridge were tanks of First Lieutenant Goderdzi Makharashvili, his son. You should see his face—how proud he is, and finally, to be so close to finding his son. Third is the scene with the vineyard. When a Soviet tank trying to fix itself has a test drive and drives over vineyard plants, Makharashvili the father gets angry. The whole world around him is in ruins, but he still cares about small plants and gives those soldiers a lesson. These moments define the film and make it unforgettable.
The Beauty of Simplicity and Humanity
What makes Father of a Soldier so powerful is its simplicity. It's not a flashy war epic with big battle sequences. It's a quiet, human story about one man's love for his son. Sergo Zakariadze delivers a performance that is both powerful and understated. His face tells the story more than words ever could. The film is shot in black and white, which adds to its raw, timeless quality. A few years back, they made a colored version, so if you want, you can watch it on YouTube—both colored and original black-and-white versions are available. The black-and-white cinematography gives the film a documentary-like feel, making the war feel real and immediate. The direction by Rezo Chkheidze is masterful, balancing moments of heartbreak with moments of quiet beauty.
What Worked and What Didn't
Honestly, there's very little I didn't like about this film. It's a masterpiece of Soviet cinema that deserves far more recognition than it gets. The pacing is perfect at 1h 23m, and the film never wastes a moment. The emotional beats land every time, even on rewatch. If I had to point out one thing, it's that the film's age and black-and-white format might turn off some modern viewers. But that would be their loss, because this is a film that transcends its era. It's a universal story about love, sacrifice, and the human spirit.
Ratings and Critical Reception
IMDb: 8.3/10 from 4,900 viewers.
RT: No Tomatometer critics rating, but a 93% Popcornmeter from 250+ ratings.
The film was entered into the 4th Moscow International Film Festival. I saw that Rotten Tomatoes does not have critics ratings for this movie. Not so much known for those critics, I guess. Old but good movie. The 8.3 IMDb score and 93% audience score speak volumes. This is a film that those who have seen it love deeply. It's a hidden gem of world cinema that deserves more attention.
A Timeless Gem for Anyone Who Believes in the Power of Love
At 10/10, Father of a Soldier is a perfect film. It's touching, unforgettable, and beautifully made. It's a film that once you watch it, it stays with you forever. Dive in if you want to experience the power of cinema to move the human heart. It sparked a lifelong appreciation for foreign films and stories that focus on the human condition rather than spectacle. This is a film I will continue to rewatch for the rest of my life, and I cannot recommend it enough.
What did you think of Father of a Soldier? Did the father's journey move you as much as it moved me? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and here's the big one: suggest a movie for my next review! I'm craving more classic cinema with heart. If you enjoyed this post, please share to support my blog. Thanks!
See also My full list of 2026 movie reviews →
