Come and See (1985)

Come and See

This right here is what I believe the point of cinema is. Telling a story, whether it be positive or negative. Sometimes if you’re in a good mood, you can watch a happy film, or a comedy, or romance. But using a film to tell stories of societal problems, political issues, or human atrocities is what makes the art of filmmaking so profound. This is the perfect example. It’s a horrifying, riveting, visceral experience that highlights the ethical and moral violations from the Nazis during WWII. A lot of filmmakers have tackled that subject, but the reason this one sticks out so much is because it centers around a 14 year old boy. It shows what the sights of war can truly do to you. That’s all I’ll say about the story, solely because it’s so shocking and effective, you need to see it for yourself. I promise you that once you finish, you’ll be changed in your head, and your attitude towards life. The performance from Aleksei Kravchenko is one of the best performances I’ve ever seen. Not just from that decade, or that century, or from a kid, but in cinema history. I’d even go as far to say that it might be the best performance of all time. And that’s not an unpopular opinion. He doesn’t have too much dialogue, because the story or his character doesn’t need it. The sheer amount of emotion that radiates from his eyes and face and like nothing I’ve seen before. The way he reacts to everything happening around him is something that will never leave your head. His expressions are haunting and troubled, and will stick with you forever. Considering how he went from being so happy in the beginning to completely screwed up by the end. I’m truly in disbelief. Especially considering it came from a14 year old. We may never get a child performance this magnificent again. My final thought is that the way this film was shot is what truly makes it. The close ups of all the expressions from different characters, and the focus on nature and surroundings…..it’s both gorgeous and disturbing. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a film that is so beautiful, yet so terrifying and traumatic. Overall, it’s one of the greatest anti-war films ever made, maybe of all time. It needs to be seen by everyone before they die. You will leave changed. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!