Torn Boots (1933): cast, story & where to watch
1933 · Film
Released in 1933, Torn Boots is a drama film directed by Margarita Barskaya, running about 85 minutes.
What it’s about. Working with children led Barskaya to create superb direct sound and an inspired style of shooting. Don’t look for conventional cinematic syntax here. The film is chaotic in the way that Soviet films still knew how to be, and Langlois couldn’t help but be seduced by its rebellious spirit, its anarchy and love of children, comparable to Vigo’s Zero de conduite. As well as being a film made with and for children, it offers a complex take on Western society. Pre-Nazi Germany is not named as such but is carefully reconstructed, possibly under advice from Karl Radek, and children offer a playful reflection of class struggle – doubly excluded, as proletarians and as minors. “They play in the same way that they live”, one intertitle says. The interaction between their comical games and the yet more ludicrous ones played by adults is developed on several levels.
Who’s in it. Torn Boots stars Mikhail Klimov, Klavdiya Polovikova, Vera Alyokhina and Natalia Sadovskaya, among others.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Torn Boots page.
If you liked it. Fans of Torn Boots tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Torn Boots (1933)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Torn Boots change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Who stars in Torn Boots?
- Torn Boots stars Mikhail Klimov, Klavdiya Polovikova, Vera Alyokhina, Natalia Sadovskaya and Ivan Novoseltsev.
- When was Torn Boots released?
- Torn Boots was released in 1933, with a runtime of about 85 minutes.