Wings (1966) - Larisa Shepitko

Based on a true story, Larisa Shepitko's Wings chronicles the story of a famous female fighter pilot who attempts to make a life for herself in the post World War II era.  Working as a school administer in an oppressive regime towards females, , she struggles to find self-worth in the post war era, even unable to find excitement as it relates to her daughter's recent marriage.  Time has passed her by, with her own daughter seemingly wanting little to do with her, leaving this fighter pilot struggling in the present.  This woman simply feels insignificant, with the present paling in comparison to the past.  Much of Larisa Shepitko's Wings is a pensive study of a woman trying to adjust to in the postwar era.  As a way to deal with her current state of inadequacy, this woman constantly reminisces of her past as a pilot and where she was important, respected, and felt truly free.  Larisa Sheptiko, the wife of Elem Kilmov, proved right out of the gate that she is a talented filmmaker in her own right with the beautifully realized Wings.  For a first feature, Wings is very impressive, a film which perfectly captures the psyche of this woman who has no real connection with the present.  Shepkio's use of visuals is particularly impressive, almost hallucinogenic in nature, which effectively capture her longing for the past.  Wings is part heartfelt tribute to the men and woman  of WWII, part tale of old-era Soviet Union, that effectively captures the loneliness of these individuals who feel lost and deserted in the present, constantly escaping to memories of the past.  Larisa Shepitko's Wings offers a stunning glimpse of a bygone era in the Soviet Union, touching on the segregation and oppression of woman, in creating a poignant and touching portrait of a celebrated fighter pilot returning home. 

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