In viewing this film there are a couple of instances of clear propaganda that stand out. The first being the set of scenes revolving around the stolen pig. The old woman claims that there is no difference between the reds and the whites if both are going to be stealing from the peasants (25min Chapaev). Then we learn that the stolen items have been returned and we hear the speech to the men. In that speech we hear “who are you robbing? You’re robbing your brother the peasant!” and “we’re sacrificing our lives for that peasant and for the worker.” ( 31min Chapaev) Then later when they are actually on the battlefield there is a clear difference between the whites and the red. There is one side with much more professional uniforms and a typical military walk. Then there is the side wearing peasant clothes. (1hour Chapaev)
To include the interaction with the peasants was a clear message to the people that since the first days of the war the fight has been for you. There has never been a point where it has not been the workers vs. the elites. Do you think that there were any other moments in the film that were clear propaganda? Do you think that having a historic film about any country’s founding serves as propaganda?
