If you liked this movie, you should also see: Shadrach (1989)Millioner (1963)Vnimanie! Volki! (1970)Ave Maria (1972)Storytime (1968)
Subtle coloring and an impressionistic approach to landscape distinguish this patriotic animated short set to music. After a flourishing Soviet hamlet is destroyed by Nazi planes, the sole survivor is confronted by a hulking Nazi commando in a tank. The military man tries to cajole the young violinist into repeating a jaunty harmonica melody at gunpoint but the boy strikes up a noble song of resistance instead. THE PIONEER'S VIOLIN may romance the idea of martyrdom but it does so with a gravity not often found in similar films.