User Reviews

"Voices of Leningrad" (now St. Petersburg) documents the lives of several people in the city, at the time where the Soviet Union was transforming itself. The early 20th century upheaval and the anguish of WWII was fading, but nobody could tell what the future was to bring. Russia wanted its own personality back once more. In the historic city of Leningrad, with its grand architecture and Imperial history, the former glory had been suppressed in the name of uniformity; but it was special, and its people were special. The citizens of Leningrad clearly wished for a better life, where they could freely travel and communicate with the rest of the world. This film was made at a pivotal point in the deconstruction of the Soviet Union. Hence, the people depicted were truly intent on telling their stories accurately. If Glasnost were to fail... the worst would happen to them for speaking about social problems and concerns. So it is a very true and very interesting look at the dawn of free expression in Russia, and an accurate reflection of their commitment to change.