Cruelty

The film tells the story of Malyshev, a deputy chief of the Criminal Investigation Department and a Komsomol member. He attempts to win over a former field-hand turned bandit, Lazar Baukin, to the Soviet cause. However, the plot thickens as Malyshev guarantees Baukin’s freedom only for his chief to betray that trust and arrest him, leading to a tragic conclusion.

Cruelty features a strong ensemble cast including Georgiy Yumatov, Nikolay Kryuchkov, and Borys Andreiev. The narrative reflects the struggles of individuals within a harsh socio-political landscape, making it a significant piece in the context of Soviet cinema. This film presents a blend of crime and drama, characteristic of its era, with a plot that unfolds in a morally complex environment.