Come and See

Main Plot

"Come and See," directed by Elem Klimov, is a harrowing World War II drama set in Belarus. The film follows a young boy named Flyora who eagerly joins the Soviet partisan forces to fight against the Nazi occupation. As he ventures deeper into the conflict, Flyora witnesses the brutal realities of war, including the atrocities committed by the Nazis against the local population. The narrative captures his rapid loss of innocence and the psychological scars inflicted by the horrors he encounters. Through stark, unflinching imagery and a deeply immersive atmosphere, the film portrays the devastating impact of war on individuals and communities, making a powerful statement about the human cost of violence.

Characters

• Aleksey Kravchenko plays Florya, a young boy who witnesses the horrors of war, experiencing profound trauma and loss, driving the film's harrowing narrative.
• Olga Mironova plays Glasha, a young girl who befriends the protagonist, Florya. She represents innocence and the devastating impact of war on civilians.
• Liubomiras Laucevicius plays Kosach, a partisan leader who guides and mentors the protagonist, Florya, through the harrowing experiences of war and resistance.

Ending Explained

In the harrowing conclusion of Elem Klimov's film "Come and See," the protagonist, a young boy named Florya, experiences the full brutality of war. After witnessing and surviving numerous atrocities committed by the Nazis in Belarus during World War II, Florya joins a group of partisans. In the final scenes, he comes across a portrait of Adolf Hitler in a puddle. As he shoots at the portrait, a montage of historical footage plays in reverse, symbolically undoing the horrors of the war and the rise of Nazism. This sequence culminates in an image of Hitler as a baby, suggesting a contemplation of the origins of evil. However, Florya ultimately refrains from shooting the infant image, signifying a complex mix of emotions—rage, sorrow, and perhaps a recognition of the futility of violence. The film ends with Florya rejoining the partisans, his innocence irrevocably shattered. The conclusion underscores the devastating impact of war on the human spirit and the loss of innocence, leaving a profound impression on the viewer about the senselessness and horror of conflict.