Red Cherry

The film tracks the early months of Operation Barbarossa as Nazi forces push into the Soviet Union. Moscow endures a rapid, chaotic evacuation and civilians scramble to stay alive in a war-torn city. The period is defined by sudden danger, shifting control, and the brutal choices people must make.

The story begins in Moscow at the Ivanov International School before the war arrives. As Nazi forces invade, the city becomes half-evacuated and perilous, forcing students and residents into makeshift survival. A summer camp in Belarus is established as a fragile refuge before occupation washes over the region, and the Yakovlev Monastery later serves as the Nazi HQ where prisoners are exploited.

🛡️ Survival

Against overwhelming odds, the characters endure hunger, danger, and displacement. Xiaoman scavenges and protects an orphaned girl, while Chuchu and her classmates face forced labor and constant threats. The narrative centers on resilience and the will to continue living in a world torn apart by war.

🗡️ Oppression

Captured students are enslaved and subjected to brutality, with Miss Vera murdered for defying the invaders and a plan for execution looming over them. One student uses his Aryan identity to gain a momentary advantage, but fear, deceit, and violence dominate their lives. The escape attempt exposes the depths of cruelty and the costs of rebellion.

🧠 Memory & Trauma

Chuchu's back bears a large Nazi eagle tattoo, a permanent mark that subjects her to stigma and discrimination. The film explores the psychological scars born from captivity, violence, and humiliation, and how memory shapes identity long after the battles end. The narrative culminates in an acknowledgement of real-life stories behind the fictional tale, underscoring the lasting impact of war on individuals.