Is The Alive and the Dead Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, The Alive and the Dead is likely a skip if you enjoy War movies.
It features a runtime of 201 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Alive and the Dead Review
Last updated: January 12, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1963, The Alive and the Dead enters the War genre with a narrative focused on A Russian war correspondent is drafted into the war and finds himself in the middle of battle. Under the direction of Aleksandr Stolper, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from Kirill Lavrov. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Mastery & Style
From a technical standpoint, The Alive and the Dead offers a competent presentation. The cinematography uses a distinct visual palette that aligns well with the tone. While the 4K mastering highlights the production value, the pacing during its 201-minute runtime can feel deliberate.
Social Impact & Cultural Context
Beyond the narrative, The Alive and the Dead resonates with current cultural themes in the War space. It stays within the established boundaries of its genre, providing exactly what core fans expect without reinventing the wheel.
Where to Watch & Streaming Info
As of early 2026, The Alive and the Dead is available for streaming on Kinopoisk. For audiences in the US, UK, and India, digital rentals are typically available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV roughly 45-60 days after the theatrical release.
Narrative Arc & Plot Breakdown
The plot of The Alive and the Dead centers on a unique premise within the War landscape. A Russian war correspondent is drafted into the war and finds himself in the middle of battle. When he loses his party card, however, he is treated as a deserter until he finds help from a kind man. This Soviet war feature was considerably outspoken for the time as it addressed issues such as anti-Stalinism, Siberia and the inhumanity of war. Adapting his screenplay from a book by Constantin Simonov, Alexandre Stolper was responsible for writing as well as directing. The second act serves as a major turning point, leading to a climax that fans of 1963 cinema will find fairly predictable.
Ending Explained & Sequel Potential
The ending of The Alive and the Dead has sparked significant debate on social media. It signifies the ambiguous resolution of the main plot thread. Given the current box office momentum, discussions of a The Alive and the Dead sequel or a wider cinematic universe are already gaining traction.
Final Editorial Verdict
Final verdict for The Alive and the Dead (1963): with an audience rating of 5.7/10, the reception has been divisive. It is a recommended for fans of War, Drama cinema who appreciate attention to detail.
Where to Watch The Alive and the Dead Online?
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KinopoiskParents Guide & Age Rating
The Alive and the Dead has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (War, Drama), viewers should expect violence, action sequences.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, The Alive and the Dead stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1963 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Alive and the Dead movie hit or flop?
The Alive and the Dead has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Alive and the Dead worth watching?
The Alive and the Dead is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Alive and the Dead online?
The Alive and the Dead is currently available for streaming on Kinopoisk. You can also check for it on platforms like Kinopoisk depending on your region.
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People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is The Alive and the Dead movie hit or flop?
The Alive and the Dead has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Alive and the Dead worth watching?
The Alive and the Dead is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of War, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Alive and the Dead online?
The Alive and the Dead is currently available for streaming on Kinopoisk. You can also check for it on platforms like Kinopoisk depending on your region.
What is the story of The Alive and the Dead?
The Alive and the Dead is a War, Drama movie that follows: A Russian war correspondent is drafted into the war and finds himself in the middle of battle. When he loses his party card, however, he is treated as a deserter until he finds help from a kind man. T...
Is The Alive and the Dead family friendly?
The Alive and the Dead is classified as War, Drama. We recommend checking the official age rating before watching with children.
What language is The Alive and the Dead available in?
The Alive and the Dead is primarily available in its original language, with subtitles and dubbed versions available on various streaming services and digital stores.
Synopsis
A Russian war correspondent is drafted into the war and finds himself in the middle of battle. When he loses his party card, however, he is treated as a deserter until he finds help from a kind man. This Soviet war feature was considerably outspoken for the time as it addressed issues such as anti-Stalinism, Siberia and the inhumanity of war. Adapting his screenplay from a book by Constantin Simonov, Alexandre Stolper was responsible for writing as well as directing.
Critic Reviews
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