Sofiya Perovskaya is a 1967 Soviet biopic film directed by Lev Arnshtam. The film is based on the life of Sofiya Perovskaya, member of Narodnaya Volya, executed for taking part in planning the successful assassination of Alexander II of Russia.

Plot

The film follows the life of Sofya Perovskaya, a young noblewoman and the daughter of the Governor-General of Saint Petersburg, who becomes deeply inspired by revolutionary ideals. Unable to find understanding among her family, she leaves home and joins the populist "Going to the People" movement. Working as a midwife, she witnesses the harsh realities of peasant life, their ignorance, and submission. Her revolutionary activities lead to her arrest during a childbirth session, but she escapes custody by boarding a passing train. Perovskaya develops a deep romantic bond with the young revolutionary Andrei Zhelyabov, who confesses his love for her, and together they commit fully to the cause. As members of Narodnaya Volya ("People's Will"), they embrace revolutionary terrorism and orchestrate a plot to assassinate Tsar Alexander II. Even after Zhelyabov's arrest, Perovskaya takes charge, leading the group to successfully carry out the assassination.