Attack from the Sea

Attack from the Sea
Attack from the Sea
Directed by	Mikhail Romm
Written by	Aleksandr Shtein
Starring	Ivan Pereverzev ; Gennadi Yudin ; Vladimir Druzhnikov ; Sergei Bondarchuk
Cinematography	Yu-Lan Chen ; Aleksandr Shelenkov
Edited by	Yeva Ladyzhenskaya
Music by	Aram Khachaturian
Production; company	Mosfilm
Release date	1953;
Running time	94 minutes
Country	Soviet Union
Language	Russian

Attack from the Sea (Russian: Корабли штурмуют бастионы, romanized: Korabli shturmuyut bastiony, lit. 'Ships Are Storming Bastions') is a 1953 Soviet biographical war film directed by Mikhail Romm and starring Ivan Pereverzev, Gennadi Yudin and Vladimir Druzhnikov.^[1]

The film is about the career of the Russian naval officer Fyodor Ushakov and the Siege of Corfu (1798–99). It was made by the Moscow-based Ministry of Cinematography by the production unit Mosfilm, in Agfa-color, renamed Sovcolor by Moscow. It is the sequel to Admiral Ushakov, released the same year.

Plot

The film is set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean campaign (1798–1800) led by Admiral Fyodor Ushakov during the War of the Second Coalition. Ushakov’s fleet, in collaboration with Turkish forces, undertakes a mission to liberate the Ionian Islands from French control and secure strategic positions in the region. The story unfolds as political intrigue and personal rivalries emerge: Ushakov faces opposition from his detractors at court and navigates tensions with British Admiral Horatio Nelson, whose conflicting interests threaten the fragile alliance. Amidst these challenges, Ushakov demonstrates innovative naval tactics, particularly during the decisive assault on Corfu, where he overcomes insurmountable odds to secure a key victory.

As the campaign progresses, the film delves into the complexities of geopolitics, showcasing the strained relationships between allied powers. Ushakov’s moral compass clashes with the ruthless methods of his British counterparts, as seen during the aftermath of the liberation of Naples, where mass executions of French prisoners and republican sympathizers occur. Despite these setbacks, Ushakov remains steadfast in his mission, advocating for justice and unity. His leadership culminates in the liberation of Rome and the establishment of the Republic of the Seven United Islands, a strategic foothold for Russia in the Mediterranean, guided by a constitution written by Ushakov himself.

However, Ushakov’s triumphs are met with indifference upon his return to Russia. With the ascension of Emperor Alexander I, he is unjustly retired, his contributions overshadowed by court politics. Years later, in 1811, Ushakov visits a naval ship and is greeted with reverence by his former comrades, who honor his legacy as a visionary leader. The film concludes on a poignant note, reflecting on Ushakov’s enduring impact on naval history and his unwavering commitment to duty and humanity.