They Conquer the Skies Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for They Conquer the Skies.
They Conquer the Skies Ending Explained: The end of the 1940s. Directed by Tatyana Lioznova, this 1963 drama film stars Nikolai Rybnikov (Kolchin), alongside Vladimir Sedov as Sharov, Svetlana Svetlichnaya as Nina Kolchina, Evgeniy Evstigneev as main constructor. With a 8.5/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.
What Happens at the End of They Conquer the Skies?
The end of the 1940s. Test pilot Aleksei Kolchin was commissioned for the first time to fly the first Soviet jet fighter. The tests are successful, but it is necessary to improve the aircraft. When performing a test flight, Kolchin dies, his last words are recorded on tape. Having studied them, Kolchin's friend Sergei Sharov makes a new attempt and completes the test of the aircraft.
Tatyana Lioznova's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Nikolai Rybnikov (Kolchin)'s journey. Test pilot Aleksei Kolchin was commissioned for the first time to fly the first Soviet jet fighter.
How Does Nikolai Rybnikov (Kolchin)'s Story End?
- Nikolai Rybnikov: Nikolai Rybnikov's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Tatyana Lioznova delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 37m runtime.
- Vladimir Sedov (Sharov): Vladimir Sedov's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Svetlana Svetlichnaya (Nina Kolchina): Svetlana Svetlichnaya's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of They Conquer the Skies Mean?
They Conquer the Skies concludes with Tatyana Lioznova reinforcing the drama themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Nikolai Rybnikov leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.