Introduction to Life is a Russian film released in 1963, directed by Yakov Segel. It's a drama movie based on Vladimir Tendryakov's novella "The Zone of Death" and tells the story of a group of children sent to a summer camp where they must learn about the harshness of life and survival skills. The film begins with Kostya (Boris Tokarev), a young boy, getting ready to go to a summer camp for the first time. He is excited but anxious about leaving his mother behind. At the same time, we meet the other characters: Katyusha (Nina Urgant), Tolya (Yuri Volkov), and others in Kostya's group.
As soon as they arrive at the camp, they meet the tough and serious camp leader, Lyudmila Ivanovna (Galina Polskikh). Her stern demeanor puts the children on edge, and they quickly realize that they are not there for a relaxing vacation. They are there to learn about survival skills and to be taught the many lessons of life.
The children are split into different groups, and each day they must complete a set of tasks that will teach them something new. They learn about building shelters, starting fires, cooking food, and other essential skills that will help them survive in the wilderness.
Throughout the movie, the children are constantly reminded of the harshness of life. They are told that they cannot depend on anyone but themselves and that life is unpredictable. They learn that they have to be strong and independent, prioritize their needs, and work hard to survive.
Meanwhile, Kostya becomes friends with Katyusha, a sweet and kind girl. They spend time together and form a special bond, which eventually turns into a romance as the movie progresses.
As Kostya continues to adapt to life at the camp, he begins to realize that this experience is not only about learning survival skills. It's also about learning things like compassion and empathy, about helping and supporting others, and about never giving up, no matter how difficult the situation.
The movie goes on to show us several instances where the children are tested, both physically and emotionally. They face severe weather, like a sudden hailstorm, unexpected water flooding, and limited food and water supplies. All of these uncomfortable scenarios motivate them to use their new survival skills to overcome these challenges, leading to excellent teamwork which ties into the short amount of time the children have to spend together.
As the movie concludes, the children return to their homes, and Kostya goes back to his mother. He has grown up a lot in a short period, and he feels confident that he can handle whatever life throws at him. The influence of the summer camp has played an essential role in this transformation, and he takes away several valuable lessons that prepare him for the challenges that lie ahead.
In conclusion, Introduction to Life is a heartwarming and inspiring movie that teaches us about the grit, determination, and resilience of children. It provides a glimpse of how children can learn lifelong skills, overcome their vulnerabilities and weaknesses, and emerge as confident and strong individuals. The portrayal of these characters is so realistic that a viewer is immediately able to attach themselves to the situations these children face. It's no surprise that Introduction to Life is considered one of the most influential and impactful Soviet children's movies of all time.
