Stumped

Rating: 9/10 (24 July 2012)

Where to start? The way Klimov depicted war in this film is astonishing. This is one of the first war movies that I have personally viewed that did not include the normal glorification of war. It did not have a real "Hero", although I would say that the child that this movie follows is a real hero going through the trials and tribulations throughout this movie. I was blown away by the acting in this film. The child stars shine brightly through this dim and gloomy film. I walked out after seeing this movie rethinking the lives of all those affected by war. This gave me such a new appreciation for the struggles for families involved in combat. I was filled with sadness and confusion on how some of the people in this world can view another human being as nothing more than a pawn in a chess game. I feel that this movie has opened my eyes to things I would have never thought about before. Definitely recommended but prepare to be shocked and saddened by this one.