Sommer 1943 - Das Ende der Unschuld

I grew up hearing stories from my grandparents that were from Lwow. Lwow is now part of Ukraine and near the Wolyn area where this movie takes place. Hearing my grandfather saying how he would patrol his village with pitchforks was one thing. Hearing about atrocities committed made you wonder if people are capable of such acts. This movie brought his stories to life in shocking truth and reality. One item that was also true was that Poles would find more safety with the Nazi oppressors, rather than surrounding Ukrainian neighbors. In fact, one story that was not presented, that may be good to share, is that Germans provided rifles to some polish villages so residents could protect themselves. Incredible movie that shows history that is not at all known in most circles.

Well, where to begin. Films about genocide, especially such touchy subject as Polish-Ukranian relations in 1939-1943 in the region of Wolyn, are not an easy treat. The very theme of mass murder and brotherly hate is never easy, so this epic film about mass atrocities of Poles in Wolyn leaves a very heavy heart. If you are afraid of ferocious scenes, blood, dismembered bodies, mutilated kids or burned villages, then don't. Don't try to watch this film. It is awesome, it is executed with a n utmost precision and the tempo is impeccable, but it is way too difficult to see all those horrible scenes and what is even more horrid is the fact that it's never going to be easier, but only heavier and gloomier and worse for main hero and her suffering family. I will not retell the events of this film, just want to say - be warned and watch this at your discretion, as this is a very very severe and naked fear film. It demands all your patience and certain amount of guts, yes, guts, since the bloody scenes are really frightening. Need I say more? This is a masterpiece, truly so.

It is true that too much violence can soften the effect. But this is not the case here. It was a shocking and fascinating cinematic experience. I love the work of Wojciech Smarzowski. Nobody else does this kind of filming around here. And the MOST shocking thing for me personally, coming from an academic household that is specifically proud of his high education: I did NOT know anything about this at all..! None of my friends knew anything about this before I told them! Poles are still looked down on in this class, and not talked about. As were the Ukrainians by the Poles back then. Please watch and spread it whereever you can.

...but not really known in the rest of Europe and world. Important film, nobody every told this story in the film world. Very graphic though - as usual with the director Smarzowski. Most of his films are made with this idea of starting with light themes, here it's a wedding and then with time becoming more and more dark and gloomy. This one will leave you speechless. I strongly recommend this one, but viewer discretion is strongly advised.

This is actually sad that ukrainian people started forgetting their own history. We have to remember our own history, no matter if it's good history or bad.