Elem Klimov’s 1985 film Come and See is one of the most visceral and unsettling war films ever made. Set during the Nazi occupation of Belarus in World War II, the film follows a young boy named Flyora as he descends into the brutal reality of war. The title itself is an invitation — or perhaps a warning — to witness the unspeakable horrors of conflict. Unlike many war films that romanticize bravery or patriotism, Come and See strips away any veneer of heroism, focusing instead on the sheer terror, suffering, and devastation that war brings.
This article will provide a detailed recap of Come and See, analyze its major themes and stylistic choices, and offer a critical review that explores why the film remains a haunting and essential piece of cinema.
Plot Recap
Come and See begins with 14-year-old Flyora (Aleksei Kravchenko) living in a small village in Belarus in 1943, during the height of World War II. Against the warnings of his family, Flyora digs up a buried rifle, signaling his intent to join the local Soviet resistance forces. The opening scene is almost deceptively quiet, filled with natural beauty, but it soon takes a dark turn as Flyora is thrust into the heart of the brutal partisan war.
Flyora is taken to a partisan camp but is quickly left behind when the partisans move out to launch an attack. As he returns to his village, he encounters Glasha (Olga Mironova), a girl who has also been left behind. Together, they witness the aftermath of a German air raid on their village, a devastating scene that leaves Flyora traumatized. As the horrors mount, Flyora’s physical and emotional deterioration is reflected on screen, with his youthful innocence eroded by the carnage around him.
The film’s narrative becomes even more harrowing as Flyora and Glasha wander through the destroyed Belarusian countryside. They come across villages that have been razed to the ground, filled with the bodies of civilians who were slaughtered by Nazi forces. In one of the film’s most gut-wrenching sequences, Flyora witnesses an atrocity where an entire village is herded into a barn and burned alive by Nazi soldiers. The camera lingers on the terrified faces of the villagers, including women, children, and elderly people, as the flames engulf them. This scene is a chilling depiction of the real-life war crimes committed during the Nazi occupation.
By the end of the film, Flyora, now utterly broken, takes part in a symbolic act of vengeance. He shoots at a portrait of Adolf Hitler, which triggers a montage that rewinds history, showing Hitler’s rise to power in reverse. The montage ends with an image of Hitler as a baby, but Flyora, now filled with an overwhelming sense of sorrow, cannot bring himself to shoot. This final sequence encapsulates the futility of violence and war, a message that resonates throughout Come and See.
Main Characters
Flyora (Aleksei Kravchenko)
Flyora, a 14-year-old boy, is the film’s protagonist, and his journey mirrors the loss of innocence that countless young people experienced during World War II. Aleksei Kravchenko delivers an astonishing performance, portraying Flyora’s transformation from a naive, idealistic child to a deeply traumatized survivor. The physical and emotional toll that the war takes on Flyora is evident in every frame, with Kravchenko’s expressive face serving as a mirror for the audience’s own horror and despair.
Glasha (Olga Mironova)
Glasha is Flyora’s companion for much of the film. Like Flyora, she is a child thrust into a world of unimaginable cruelty. Although their bond provides brief moments of respite, Glasha’s own disillusionment and terror underscore the film’s bleak portrayal of war. Olga Mironova’s portrayal of Glasha is subtle yet heartbreaking, showing the vulnerability of children caught in the crossfire of global conflict.
The Nazi Soldiers
The Nazi soldiers in Come and See are depicted as faceless instruments of destruction. They are brutal, inhumane, and indifferent to the suffering they cause. Klimov doesn’t focus on individual personalities within the German ranks, instead portraying them as a collective force of evil. This dehumanization of the enemy is intentional, emphasizing the senseless and machine-like nature of their violence.
Major Themes in Come and See
The Horror of War
Come and See is first and foremost a film about the horror and futility of war. Unlike traditional war films that depict battles or strategic victories, Come and See focuses on the civilian cost of war — particularly the suffering of children and the elderly. The film provides a relentless depiction of the physical and emotional devastation that conflict brings, leaving the audience no room to escape from the grim reality of war.
Innocence Lost
At its core, Come and See is about the loss of innocence. Flyora begins the film as a boy eager to join the resistance and fight for his country, but by the end, he is a hollowed-out shell of his former self. The war strips him of his youth, his idealism, and his hope. This theme resonates throughout the film, with the transformation of Flyora’s face acting as a stark visual representation of innocence lost.
War Crimes and Atrocities
The film does not shy away from depicting the brutal war crimes committed during the Nazi occupation of Belarus. From the aerial bombardment of villages to the systematic extermination of civilians, Come and See presents a grim portrayal of the atrocities that occurred during World War II. The film’s unflinching approach to these scenes is what makes it so impactful — it forces the audience to confront the true horror of genocide and mass murder.
Survival and Trauma
Flyora’s survival is a key element of the film, but it is not depicted as a victory. In fact, by the end of the film, survival feels like a curse. The trauma that Flyora carries with him will last a lifetime, a stark reminder that war leaves deep scars, even on those who live through it. This theme is reinforced by the film’s relentless focus on Flyora’s emotional and physical deterioration.
Cinematic Style and Visual Choices
Cinematography
The cinematography in Come and See is one of the film’s most striking features. Directed by Elem Klimov and shot by Aleksei Rodionov, the film makes extensive use of handheld cameras and long takes. This creates an immersive and disorienting experience for the audience, mirroring Flyora’s own confusion and fear as he navigates the chaos of war. The camera often lingers on the faces of the characters, capturing their expressions of terror and anguish in uncomfortably close detail.
Sound Design
Sound is used to devastating effect in Come and See. The film eschews traditional music scores in favor of diegetic sounds — the roar of airplanes, the crackle of gunfire, the cries of the dying. This creates an atmosphere of constant dread and unease. One of the film’s most memorable auditory moments is the ringing in Flyora’s ears after a nearby explosion, which drowns out all other sounds and heightens the sense of disorientation and horror.
Symbolism and Surrealism
While much of the film is grounded in brutal realism, Klimov also employs surrealist elements to convey the psychological toll of war. Flyora’s face is frequently distorted by the camera, and there are several dreamlike sequences that blur the line between reality and nightmare. The final scene, in which Flyora shoots at a portrait of Hitler as history rewinds, is a powerful symbolic moment that encapsulates the film’s anti-war message.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Come and See was initially met with mixed reactions upon its release, but over time, it has come to be regarded as one of the greatest anti-war films ever made. Its raw depiction of the horrors of war was praised for its honesty, but some critics were unsettled by the film’s unrelenting bleakness. However, this very bleakness is what has cemented the film’s place in cinema history.
Today, Come and See is considered a masterpiece of world cinema. It regularly appears on lists of the greatest films ever made, particularly in the war genre. Its influence can be seen in modern war films that aim to depict the human cost of conflict rather than the glory of battle.
Why Come and See is a Masterpiece
Unflinching Realism
Few films depict the horrors of war as unflinchingly as Come and See. Klimov’s refusal to sugarcoat or glamorize the violence makes the film difficult to watch, but it is this very difficulty that gives the film its power. By focusing on the experience of a single child, Klimov humanizes the incomprehensible scale of suffering that occurred during World War II.
A Timeless Anti-War Message
The message of Come and See is timeless: war is a destructive force that spares no one, not even children. In an era when war films often glorify military action, Come and See stands out as a sobering reminder of the true cost of conflict. Its anti-war message is as relevant today as it was in 1985.
A Cinematic Experience Like No Other
From its innovative cinematography to its haunting sound design, Come and See is a film that leaves an indelible mark on its viewers. It is not merely a film to be watched; it is a film to be experienced.
Conclusion
Come and See is not an easy film to watch, but it is an essential one. Elem Klimov’s harrowing portrayal of war’s impact on civilians, particularly children, makes it one of the most powerful anti-war films in cinema history. Its raw emotional depth, combined with its technical brilliance, ensures that Come and See will continue to resonate with audiences for generations to come.
FAQs:
1. What is Come and See about?
Come and See is a 1985 Soviet war film that follows a young boy named Flyora as he experiences the horrors of World War II in Nazi-occupied Belarus.
2. Who directed Come and See?
The film was directed by Elem Klimov, a Soviet filmmaker known for his intense and emotionally powerful films.
3. Is Come and See based on a true story?
While not based on a specific true story, Come and See draws heavily from real events, particularly the atrocities committed by Nazi forces in Belarus.
4. Why is Come and See considered a masterpiece?
The film’s raw depiction of war, combined with its innovative cinematography and sound design, has made it one of the most revered anti-war films of all time.
5. What themes are explored in Come and See?
The film explores themes of innocence lost, the horrors of war, the impact of trauma, and the futility of violence.
6. How does Come and See depict the Nazi occupation?
The film portrays the Nazi occupation of Belarus as a time of unimaginable cruelty and violence, focusing on the war crimes committed against civilians.
7. Is Come and See suitable for all audiences?
Due to its intense and graphic depiction of war, Come and See is not suitable for younger viewers or those sensitive to violence.
8. What is the significance of the title Come and See?
The title is a biblical reference, inviting the audience to witness the horrors of war firsthand.
9. What makes Come and See different from other war films?
Unlike many war films that focus on battles and heroism, Come and See focuses on the civilian experience of war, particularly through the eyes of a child.
10. Where was Come and See filmed?
The film was shot on location in Belarus, adding to the authenticity of its setting.
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