The Cossacks (1960 film)

The Cossacks (I cosacchi) is a 1960 Italian epic adventure film directed by Victor Tourjansky and Giorgio Rivalta and starring Edmund Purdom, John Drew Barrymore and Giorgia Moll.

Plot
The movie centers around Shamil, who is determined to go to war for the freedom of his people, while his son is caught between his old family loyalties and the realization that his father's nation requires peace. The film offers a nuanced depiction of both sides, displaying a level of sensitivity that is unexpected in this type of movie. In a particularly impactful scene, the Chechen artillery bombards the Russian army's camp while the soldiers are in the middle of mass celebration. The movie provides a unique perspective on an uncommon subject matter and showcases a rare humanity and sense of impartiality towards the different sides involved in the conflict portrayed in the story.

Cast

 * Edmund Purdom as Sheik Shamil
 * John Drew Barrymore as Giamal
 * Giorgia Moll as Tatiana
 * Pierre Brice as Boris
 * Elena Zareschi as Fátima
 * Erno Crisa as Casi
 * Massimo Girotti as Czar Alexander II
 * Maria Grazia Spina as Alina
 * Mario Pisu as Voronzov
 * Laura Carli as Miss Ferguson
 * Nerio Bernardi as General Rasumovsky
 * Louis Seigner as Bibikoff, old Russian General
 * Giuliano Gemma as Young Man at Academy (uncredited)
 * Mara Berni as Lady with White Dog
 * Liana Del Balzo as Grandduchess, Aunt of Tsar (uncredited)