"Ballad of a Soldier" is a 1959 Soviet film directed by Grigori Chukhrai. The story follows a young soldier named Alyosha Skvortsov during World War II, who is granted a brief leave to visit his mother. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of war, highlighting the emotional struggles faced by soldiers and their families. The narrative captures Alyosha's journey as he encounters various characters, each representing different aspects of life during wartime. The film is noted for its poignant storytelling and powerful cinematography, making it a significant work in the genre of war films.