Ballad of a Soldier (1959) Ballada o soldate (original title) Language: Russian. Synopsis / Plot During World War II, 19 year old soldier Alyosha gets a medal as a reward for a heroic act at the front. Instead of this medal he asks for a few days leave to visit his mother and repair the roof of their home. On the train eastwards he meets Shura who is on her way to her aunt. In those few days traveling together they fall in love. Awards 1960: Cannes Film Festival: Nominated for Palme d'Or/Golden Palm (Best Film) 1961: Nominated for Oscar: Best Original Screenplay 1961: BAFTA Awards: Best Movie. 2 Nominations 1959: David di Donatello Awards: Golden Plate (Grigoriy Chukhray)