A World War II film featuring a “harrowing 25-minute scene often referred to as a sequence from hell” has earned the distinction of being one of the most highly-rated films ever.
This historical war drama, celebrated for its unflinching and gut-wrenching portrayal of wartime horrors, is universally acknowledged as a cinematic masterpiece. Viewers and critics alike have described it as a film that is as necessary as it is devastating, with a haunting impact that lingers long after the credits roll.
One viewer took to social media to share, “It’s horrifying, accurate, and emotionally shattering in every possible way.” Another remarked, “This isn’t a movie you watch for enjoyment; it’s one you experience because it’s essential.” A third added, “This is easily one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen—it’s a testament to cinema’s ability to evoke raw emotion.”
The film, Come and See (1985), is a Soviet anti-war epic directed by Elem Klimov. It is primarily based on Ales Adamovich’s 1971 novel Khatyn and the 1977 collection of survivor testimonies in I Am from the Fiery Village. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Nazi Germany’s occupation of Belarus, told through the eyes of a teenager named Flyora, portrayed by Aleksei Kravchenko.
Klimov, who drew inspiration from his own experiences growing up during the war, meticulously crafted a narrative that captures the unthinkable realities of conflict. The film was shot in chronological order, mirroring Flyora’s descent from an innocent, carefree boy into a deeply traumatized individual forever altered by the atrocities he witnesses.
One particular sequence, lasting 25 minutes and often described as one of the most horrifying depictions of wartime, has cemented the film’s reputation. In this scene, Flyora is captured by Nazi soldiers who force him to watch as an entire village, including women and children, is locked inside a church and set ablaze. Critics have called it an unrelenting portrayal of human suffering that leaves an indelible mark on the audience.
For Kravchenko, the role was not only emotionally demanding but also physically taxing. The young actor revealed that he was treated as “an adult” on set and expected to endure grueling conditions. “I was pushed to my limits,” he said. “They expected me to work relentlessly, no matter how challenging the scenes were.”
Klimov’s dedication to authenticity extended beyond performance. The director insisted that Kravchenko lose weight for the role, subjecting him to an extreme regimen that included days of fasting and hours of jogging. To prepare him mentally, Kravchenko was shown graphic footage of Nazi concentration camps, immersing him in the unimaginable horrors of war.
The psychological toll of the role was immense. To help him cope with the intensity of certain scenes, the filmmakers attempted to hypnotize Kravchenko, but he later revealed that he wasn’t susceptible to hypnosis and had to rely on his own strength to deliver the emotionally charged performance.
Despite its harrowing content, Come and See has earned universal acclaim. It boasts a 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and ranks 41st in the Sight & Sound Directors’ poll of the Greatest Films of All Time. Critics have hailed the film as a defining example of anti-war cinema.
Robert Daniels of The Playlist highlighted the film’s unique perspective, stating, “By presenting the story through the eyes of a child, Klimov captures the horrors of war with a raw immediacy that is deeply personal.” Matt Brunson of Film Frenzy described it as “one of the most devastating portrayals of conflict ever put on screen.”
Ken Hanke of Mountain Xpress went even further, calling it “perhaps the most nightmarish and terrifying depiction of war ever made.”
The film’s impact extends to the modern audience as well. On Letterboxd, a social media platform for film enthusiasts, Come and See has been voted the highest-rated narrative feature of all time.
Klimov himself described the film as “a passionate warning against war.” To underscore this message, Come and See incorporates archival footage from Nazi Germany, juxtaposing the dramatized scenes with the grim reality of history. The director emphasized that while the film is deeply unsettling, it pales in comparison to the true horrors experienced by those who lived through the events.
Through its unrelenting portrayal of human suffering, Come and See transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking. It is not merely a story but an experience—a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of war.