Klimov’s Come and See (1985) is the greatest [anti]war film ever made, and the greatest film I’ve ever seen. Soviet war films distinguish themselves from western schlock in that, having suffered conflict on their own land, they don’t romanticise the abstract ‘glory’ of war that Americans and English can idealise (Even celebrated western films like Saving Private Ryan or 1917 too easily get caught up in sentimental ideas of brotherhood, nationhood, relatable protagonists etc). Klimov was actually in a shelter as a child during Stalingrad, and it becomes clear that through his presentation of war, that there is nothing but horror. Come and See is also portrayed through some of the most innovative filming and sound design and the ending really punches you in the gut like nothing else; every other war film will seem infantilising after Come and See.
Finland and Sweden have submitted applications to join alliance – seven people share their thoughts
