A favorite movie scene

In the late 1930's, suspicions between the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany were high, their mutual treaties notwithstanding.  After all, both countries were authoritarian and aggressive, and it's only natural for leaders of such nations to look askance at one another.  War between the two may or may not have been a certainty at that time, but it was a possibility, and the Soviet government decided to psychologically prepare the Russian people for it.  They did this with propaganda movies, including one of my favorites, "Alexander Nevsky."

It's the story of a 13th-century Russian prince who rallies his people to defend their homeland against the Teutonic Knights.  The invaders are not only German, but Roman Catholic, too, and the film paints that religion in as poor a light as possible.  Roman Catholic priests nod with approval as the Teutonic Knights throw naked Russian children into a bonfire to be burned alive.  It's powerful stuff, and I can only imagine how effective it was for a people already predisposed to hate the Germans.

The score is, quite simply, awesome.  It was composed by Sergei Prokofiev, and he really nailed the battle scene.  But don't take my word for it.  See for yourself.  It's incredible stuff.

And now... the Battle On The Ice.

(Psst... crank the volume up.  ;))