Welcome to The Best Movies I’ve Never Seen! This is the part of the blog where I work my way through 100 films I’ve never seen that are generally considered to be great. You’re invited to watch along with me if you can find a copy or find it streaming. So grab some popcorn and let’s get started!

Come and See

1985

Directed by Elem Klimov

In the realm of cinematic storytelling, there are moments when a movie transcends the confines of mere entertainment and becomes an indelible experience, etching itself into your soul. 1985’s Come and See, directed by Elem Klimov, is precisely such a film. While it may not be the easiest film to watch, it’s an essential masterpiece that lays bare the horrors of World War II with raw intensity and unflinching honesty.

The story centers around a young boy named Florya, played by the astonishingly talented Aleksei Kravchenko. Living in a remote Belarusian village, Florya’s life takes a tragic turn when he stumbles upon an old rifle, harbinger of his inexorable descent into the heart of war. As he joins the Soviet resistance movement against the ruthless German forces, we embark on a harrowing journey through the hellish landscapes of Eastern Europe during World War II.

Klimov’s storytelling is a symphony of despair, a dark and uncompromising ode to the horrors of war. The film’s narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing the viewer to intimately connect with Florya’s innocence as it’s gradually eroded by the unforgiving brutality of war. The director’s decision to cast an inexperienced young actor in the lead role pays off immensely, as Kravchenko delivers a performance that is nothing short of breathtaking. His transformation from an optimistic, naive boy into a shell-shocked, hollow-eyed survivor is gut-wrenching to witness.

Come and See is relentless in its portrayal of the atrocities of war. The film doesn’t shy away from graphic violence, yet it never feels gratuitous. Every frame serves a purpose, driving home the message that war is not a glorified adventure but an unspeakable nightmare. Klimov’s use of surreal imagery, nightmarish soundscapes, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography underscores the film’s nightmarish quality, blurring the line between reality and hallucination.

One of the film’s most powerful achievements lies in its ability to capture the disintegration of morality in the face of unimaginable horror. As Florya witnesses one gruesome event after another, he is forced to confront the darkest facets of human nature. This theme resonates with an unsettling relevance, reminding us that war has the capacity to strip away our humanity.

The film’s title, Come and See, serves as a chilling invitation to bear witness to the horrors it portrays. It compels us to confront the brutal reality of war, to acknowledge the suffering of countless individuals whose voices have been silenced by history. Klimov’s direction, combined with Oleg Yankovsky’s haunting score, creates an immersive and deeply emotional experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Come and See is not an easy film to watch, nor should it be. It’s a searing reminder of the horrors of war, a relentless examination of the human capacity for cruelty and resilience. Elem Klimov’s masterpiece is a cinematic achievement that transcends the boundaries of nationalities and eras, offering a timeless and universal message about the cost of conflict. If you seek a film that will challenge your perceptions, haunt your dreams, and leave an indelible mark on your soul, Come and See is an absolute must-see. Just be prepared to come and see the world through a darker, more profound lens.