Okay...out of the fire and into the fryin' pan. I got a new Soviet WWII movie that is really great, title: "They fought for their Motherland." It was made in the 1970's, but contains no commie propaganda at all. 
Just an honest character study about the simple courage of the average farmer-turned-soldier in the early days of 1942. At this time the Russian army was still in retreat from the Germans, and feeling the shame of having to retreat...even the old women in the villages are calling them "Cowards". The battle scenes are very well staged, and on par with American movies as far as special effects were concerned in that era. It's one of the best war movies I've ever seen...I kid you not! It comes with a choice of English language and/or subtitles.
In case anybody is wondering I am not, have never been or will be a sympathiser to Socialism. I have a very good friend in the Ukraine named Max. He has only been able to enjoy a taste of freedom since 1989, and thoroughly appreciates it after being forced to attend "communism classes" as a schoolboy before the breakup of the USSR. For the last 2 years we have exchanged emails, books, and info about our mutual interest in WWII..that is how I have learned which movies are worthwhile 
His grandfather was an Artillarist in the Russian army during WWII, was captured and spent time in Mauthausen.
Jim
