Come And See (1985): A Harrowing Film Experience

A Descent into the Horrors of War: My Experience Watching “Come and See”

Guys, let me tell you, I just finished watching Elem Klimov's 1985 masterpiece, “Come and See,” and wow, I am absolutely shaken to my core. This isn't your typical war movie; it's a harrowing, unflinching, and deeply disturbing journey into the heart of human darkness during World War II. If you're looking for a film that will leave you pondering the true cost of conflict and the depths of human depravity, then “Come and See” is it. But be warned, this is not an easy watch. It's emotionally draining, visually brutal, and psychologically scarring. From the opening scene, there’s this palpable sense of dread, a feeling that something terrible is about to happen, and trust me, it does. The film follows the story of Flyora, a young Belarusian boy who eagerly joins the Soviet resistance against the invading Nazi forces. What starts as a naive adventure quickly spirals into a nightmarish odyssey through the scorched landscapes of war-torn Belarus. Klimov doesn't hold back in depicting the atrocities committed by the Nazis, the sheer brutality inflicted upon innocent civilians, and the disintegration of Flyora's innocence as he witnesses unimaginable horrors. The film’s power lies in its realism. Klimov masterfully uses long takes, close-ups, and unsettling sound design to immerse the viewer in Flyora's terrifying reality. You're not just watching a movie; you're experiencing the war alongside Flyora, feeling his fear, his confusion, and his despair. The performance of Aleksey Kravchenko, who plays Flyora, is nothing short of phenomenal. He portrays the character's transformation from a wide-eyed boy to a shell-shocked survivor with such raw emotion and intensity that it’s impossible not to be moved. His face becomes a canvas of pain, reflecting the unspeakable horrors he witnesses.

The Unflinching Depiction of War Crimes and Atrocities

One of the most disturbing aspects of “Come and See” is its unflinching depiction of war crimes and atrocities. Klimov doesn't shy away from showing the brutality inflicted upon the Belarusian people by the Nazi forces. The film portrays massacres, executions, and the systematic destruction of villages with a chilling realism that is hard to stomach. There's a scene, in particular, that has stayed with me long after the credits rolled – the massacre in the church. I won't go into detail, but it's a scene of such unimaginable horror that it’s difficult to comprehend. Klimov doesn't sensationalize the violence; he presents it in a stark, matter-of-fact way that makes it all the more impactful. It's a reminder of the depths of human cruelty and the importance of never forgetting the atrocities of the past. “Come and See” doesn't just focus on the physical violence of war; it also explores the psychological toll it takes on individuals and communities. The film shows how war can strip away a person's humanity, leaving them traumatized and broken. Flyora's transformation is a powerful example of this. He starts as a naive boy full of youthful enthusiasm, but by the end of the film, he's a haunted shell of his former self, his innocence shattered beyond repair. The film also explores the theme of collective trauma, showing how entire communities are affected by the horrors of war. The survivors are left to grapple with the memories of what they've witnessed, struggling to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of unimaginable loss and destruction. It's a powerful reminder of the long-lasting consequences of conflict and the importance of providing support to those who have been affected by war. “Come and See” is not just a war movie; it's a powerful anti-war statement. It exposes the brutality and senselessness of conflict, showing the devastating impact it has on individuals and societies. Klimov's film is a reminder that war is not glorious or heroic; it's a horrific tragedy that should be avoided at all costs. It's a call for peace, a plea for humanity to learn from the mistakes of the past and to work towards a future where such atrocities never happen again. The film's message is as relevant today as it was when it was first released, perhaps even more so in a world that continues to be plagued by conflict and violence.

Flyora’s Journey: The Loss of Innocence in the Face of War

Flyora's journey in “Come and See” is the emotional backbone of the film. We witness his rapid descent from a hopeful, almost playful teenager to a traumatized young man who has seen the worst of humanity. This transformation is not just a plot device; it's a deeply moving and disturbing portrayal of how war can steal innocence and leave lasting scars. At the beginning of the film, Flyora is eager to join the partisans, seeing it as an adventure, a chance to be a hero. He's filled with youthful idealism and a naive understanding of what war truly entails. However, his illusions are quickly shattered as he's thrust into the brutal reality of the conflict. He witnesses violence, death, and the systematic destruction of his community. The horrors he experiences strip away his innocence, leaving him emotionally scarred and profoundly changed. Kravchenko’s performance captures this transformation perfectly. His eyes, initially bright and full of life, gradually become hollow and haunted. His youthful exuberance is replaced by a blank stare, a sign of the trauma he's endured. The film uses close-ups of Flyora's face to great effect, allowing us to see the emotional toll the war is taking on him. We witness his fear, his confusion, and his growing despair. His face becomes a mirror reflecting the horrors he's witnessing, making the film all the more visceral and impactful. The loss of innocence is not just a personal tragedy for Flyora; it's a metaphor for the broader impact of war on society. War corrupts, dehumanizes, and destroys the very fabric of human connection. It turns ordinary people into perpetrators of violence and leaves lasting scars on the survivors. “Come and See” serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of protecting the innocence of children in the face of war. Flyora's journey also highlights the vulnerability of youth in times of conflict. Children are often the most affected by war, as they lack the emotional and psychological resources to cope with the trauma they experience. They are also more susceptible to manipulation and exploitation, making them easy targets for recruitment into armed groups. “Come and See” underscores the importance of safeguarding children during wartime and providing them with the support they need to heal from the emotional wounds of conflict. The film is a powerful indictment of the use of child soldiers and the devastating impact of war on the lives of young people. It's a call for greater protection for children in conflict zones and for efforts to promote peace and prevent future wars.

Klimov’s Masterful Direction and the Film’s Unsettling Realism

Elem Klimov's direction in “Come and See” is nothing short of masterful. He creates an atmosphere of unrelenting dread and terror, immersing the viewer in Flyora's nightmarish experience. His use of long takes, close-ups, and unsettling sound design contributes to the film's chilling realism, making it a truly unforgettable and disturbing cinematic experience. The film's realism is one of its most striking features. Klimov avoids the typical war movie clichés, opting instead for a raw and unflinching portrayal of the brutality of conflict. He doesn't romanticize war; he shows it for what it is: a horrific tragedy that destroys lives and communities. The long takes in the film are particularly effective in creating a sense of immersion. They allow the viewer to experience the events unfolding in real-time, without the distraction of editing. This makes the violence and the suffering all the more impactful. The close-ups, especially those of Flyora's face, are equally powerful. They allow us to see the emotional toll the war is taking on him, making his journey all the more poignant and heartbreaking. The sound design in “Come and See” is also crucial to the film's unsettling atmosphere. Klimov uses a combination of natural sounds, such as gunfire and explosions, and unsettling musical cues to create a sense of unease and dread. The sounds of war are often distorted and amplified, adding to the film's nightmarish quality. The lack of a traditional musical score in many scenes also contributes to the film's realism. Instead of relying on music to create emotion, Klimov allows the visuals and the sound design to speak for themselves. This makes the film feel more authentic and less manipulative. Klimov's commitment to realism extended beyond the technical aspects of filmmaking. He cast non-professional actors in many of the roles, which added to the film's authenticity. He also filmed on location in Belarus, using the actual landscapes where the events of the film took place. This gave the film a sense of place and immediacy that is often lacking in war movies. “Come and See” is not an easy watch, but it's a film that stays with you long after the credits have rolled. It's a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace. Klimov's masterful direction and the film's unsettling realism make it a true masterpiece of cinema.

Why “Come and See” is a Must-Watch (But Be Prepared)

So, why should you watch “Come and See”? Because it's a cinematic masterpiece that offers a profound and unflinching look at the horrors of war. It's a film that will challenge you, disturb you, and leave you questioning the very nature of humanity. It's a powerful anti-war statement that is as relevant today as it was when it was first released. However, I have to reiterate: this is not an easy watch. It's emotionally draining, visually brutal, and psychologically scarring. You need to be prepared for the film's intensity and its unflinching depiction of violence. But if you're willing to confront the darkness, you'll be rewarded with a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. “Come and See” is a film that forces you to confront the uncomfortable truths about war and the human capacity for cruelty. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled, prompting you to reflect on the cost of conflict and the importance of peace. It's a film that deserves to be seen and discussed, but it's also a film that should be approached with caution. If you're sensitive to violence or emotionally disturbing content, you may want to think twice before watching it. But if you're looking for a film that will challenge you and leave a lasting impression, then “Come and See” is a must-watch. Just be sure to have a support system in place, because you'll likely need someone to talk to afterward. This film is not just entertainment; it's an experience, a descent into the abyss of human darkness. It's a film that will change the way you think about war and the human condition. “Come and See” is a testament to the power of cinema to confront difficult subjects and to provoke meaningful dialogue. It's a film that reminds us of the importance of remembering the past and working towards a future where such atrocities never happen again. It's a film that deserves to be seen by as many people as possible, but it's also a film that should be approached with respect and understanding. The horrors it depicts are real, and the emotional impact can be profound. So, if you're ready to take the plunge, prepare yourself for a cinematic journey like no other. Just remember, you've been warned. This film will leave you shaken, disturbed, and, hopefully, more aware of the true cost of war.