Coming of Age in an unforgettable way

Rating: Null/10 (9 February 2012)

"Come and See" director Elem Klimov, takes us to a tiny town called Byelorussia, where we witness two boys digging in the sandy beaches looking for treasure, which turns out to be a gun left from the war between Russia and Germany. Floyra, a young boy from the town, takes his treasure home because with this weapon he can now join the resistance, and stop Germany's invasion. His mother begs him to stay there with her but, he is full of pride and is taken away by the resistance soldiers who help themselves to farm animals.
Floyra is led to a camp where resistance troops, laugh and joke about their conquest as they make fun of Hitler. This will be one of two scenes of innocence and laughter in the film, because the twists and turns that occur through out this film are shocking and horrifying. The photography and landscape are sometimes soothing, until the Germans bombs saturate the forest in their quest to kill the resistance fighters. With this occurrence Floyra's life is turned upside down, and he will be forced to learn what ever it takes to survive the atrocities committed by the Germans. In addition, he does survive, but he is forever changed. I won't spoil the film by telling you all that occurs, but it is a must see. This film manages to affect all the senses, smelling, hearing etc. This telling of the bravery it takes to keep your sense of respect and honor is what this film truly reveals. I was not prepared for this film, as I am a devout fan of comedy. This is a film my professor prefers to show in each of his classes, and I agree that we should all see this eye-opening film of the fight that a little town with a big desire for freedom can accomplish. One more note is that the movie poster says it all, in just one photo.