Come and See (8.0/10)

This 1985 German film is widely regarded as a classic, and I can understand why. Overall, I found it to be a very strong film, with an especially powerful and impactful ending. The story is haunting and emotionally intense, leaving a lasting impression long after it ends. That said, the filmmaking style wasn’t entirely to my taste. At times, the visuals felt overly artistic, and a few scenes seemed more stylistic than necessary, which slightly detracted from the overall experience for me. However, I can easily see how others might view those same choices as strengths rather than weaknesses. In the end, I did enjoy the film and appreciate its craftsmanship, but I’m not sure the average moviegoer would thoroughly enjoy it. Its heavy themes, deliberate pacing, subtitles, and artistic approach make it a challenging watch, one that demands patience and emotional investment. "The invasion of a village in Byelorussia by German forces sends young Florya (Aleksey Kravchenko) into the forest to join the weary Resistance fighters, against his family's wishes. There he meets a girl, Glasha (Olga Mironova), who accompanies him back to his village. On returning home, Florya finds his family and fellow peasants massacred. His continued survival amidst the brutal debris of war becomes increasingly nightmarish, a battle between despair and hope."