 Bezhin Meadow was long thought lost in the wake of World War II bombings . In the 1960s , however , cuttings and partial prints of the film were found ; from these , a reconstruction of Bezhin Meadow , based on the original script , was undertaken . Rich in religious symbolism , the film and its history became the focus of academic study . The film was extensively discussed both inside and outside of the film industry for its historical nature , the odd circumstances of its production and failure , and its imagery , which is considered some of the greatest in cinema . In spite of the failure of Bezhin Meadow , Eisenstein would rebound to win Soviet acclaim and awards , and become artistic director of a major film studio . 
