The film "T-34" (2018) tells a story set on the Eastern Front during World War II, centering around a Soviet tank crew taken prisoner in late 1941 while defending Moscow. The narrative moves to a POW camp in the summer of 1944, where they are unexpectedly given a T-34 tank—fresh from combat—to instruct German soldiers in maneuvers. This situation leads to an audacious plan for escape. Alexander Petrov portrays the tank commander, Vinzenz Kiefer embodies the Nazi Colonel, and Irina Starshenbaum takes on the role of an interpreter. This Russian production manages to avoid being a simple war movie; it presents a varied experience. The initial portion depicts a winter battle near a village, while the second act transitions to the German POW camp during warmer weather, setting up the escape attempt and subsequent confrontation. The filmmakers made sure to incorporate elements that connect with viewers on an emotional level. While some plot points seem improbable—like the Colonel identifying the tank commander within the camp—that’s fairly standard for a movie aiming for dramatic impact. Fans of other World War II films such as “Fury” (2014), “Cross of Iron” (1977), "Dear Elza!" (2014), "Enemy at the Gates" (2001) and “Warsaw ’44” (2014) will likely find something to enjoy here. The film exists in three different lengths: 1 hour and 53 minutes, 2 hours and 19 minutes, and a full 3 hours (I watched the shorter version). Filming took place in the Kaluga Region of Russia (specifically Strelkovka Village) as well as in the Czech Republic. English subtitles are provided. GRADE: B+/A-

Source on TMDB