Yuri Orlov

"Belorussian Station" is a Soviet drama directed by Andrei Smirnov, completed in 1969 and released in 1971 after censorship delays due to its critical portrayal of post-war Soviet society and veterans' challenges. The film revolves around four former soldiers who reunite 25 years after World War II. They come together to mourn the death of a friend and reflect on their shared past and their personal struggles. "Belorussian Station" poignantly explores themes of friendship, memory, and the enduring impact of war on ordinary people's lives, eventually gaining significant acclaim for its heartfelt narrative and strong performances.

After being demobilized, Ivan Cheprasov came to work in the motorcade. The chief assigns Ivan an ancient wreck that no one has bothered to repair. 'Colombina'—as the drivers jokingly nicknamed the old car—became a 'touchstone' for Ivan, testing his resilience and skill. Additionally, Colombina serves as a highly humanized metaphor for metal in Ivan's life, continuing the tradition of Soviet social realism by portraying another archetype, in this case, the ideal chauffeur.

The film tells about the inhabitants of the Russian city of Tsaritsyn-Stalingrad-Volgograd. The film consists of three novellas, united by the theme of love and the scene - a city on the Volga.