Idi i smotri

IDI I SMOTRI is an (anti-)war film from the perspective of an adolescent called Flyora: it’s 1943 and German troops are retreating through Belarus, committing devastating massacres on their way. In this setting, director Klimov shows Flyora’s journey, who leaves his village together with Glasha in the hope of joining the partisans. On the way, they are forced to experience the cruelties and horrific atrocities of war. Initially thirsty for adventure and filled with a naïve enthusiasm, Flyora seems to age by decades in the shortest of time and is left deeply marked. The film is based on the 1972 book “Khatyn” by Ales Adamowich, who also co-wrote the script. (Jennifer Borrmann)