Blizzard of Souls - Zwischen den Fronten

Considering the budget cast is working with.. its very well made. Acting on other hand.. Could have been better but in general enjoyable movie to watch.

Based on true events and the novel by Aleksandrs Grins, it is a moving story of friendships and strong camaraderie amongst the soldiers in the WW1 battlefields of Latvia (part of old Russia in 1915). Undaunted by guns, grenades, snipers, bayonets, blizzards, and all the bloody horrors of WW1 ... fearless Latvians were proud to defend their homeland from the Germans.

Young actors and engaging characters make compelling watching. The Isle of Death and Christmas fights. I usually do not like war movies (bloodshed) but after 30 mins of viewing, I was hooked. l had to watch it to the end just to see what happened to the FRIENDS who fought TOGETHER - HEROES OF LATVIA. Historically, 1.2M Latvians died in that war. Not telling if the boy hero Arturs, or any of his friends survived the war ... but you might need a hanky at the end of the movie.

I'm buying the video from Amazon Prime, as it really is a good movie that you could and would want to watch again, unlike most war films which are too grisly gore fests. It premiered with Screen International on-line screenings yesterday. Good luck to cast and crew with this year's Oscars.

First ever thought after movie credits started to appear on the big screen line after line was - I want to hold on to the feeling this movie has been awakening inside of my soul. It's hard to tell a story about a time that has been long gone, yet is in people's memories trough books and history lessons in school. Nevertheless - creators of "Blizzard of souls" are touching audiences with the simplicity, with extracted one person perspective, one joy and love, one... This is actually extremely hard to shine light on history trough a personal journey trough war days and relationships that are formed by the rush of war - everyone understands the urgency to take action and live this very second, to fullest, since there's great chance that might be the last sunrise, last meal, last kiss. Yet everyone is hoping to be able to live long enough to have that peace after.. Movie balances, telling us all the mix of emotions via superb camera work, brilliant movie soundtrack and acting that is heavenly simple and to the point. Some of the episodes are proudly written in the golden heritage of Latvian cinema, some will be. This is the movie that starts great line of stories - after the Alexander Green masterpiece here as cinematic marvel, people should watch "Chronicles of Melania" - these both are letting foreign people to understand the utmost importance and pain we feel and can make you understand why all the time under the soviet oppression was so dark for people who just recently had to fight so courageously to have own time, own country and own values.. No - this is not an easy and entertaining movie. This is a soul shaker. I would love to see 11 stars out of 10 - but giving here full 9 - as my effort towards "less biased" ratings. Must see!

"Blizzard of Souls" tells the story of a young man, Arturs Vanag (Oto Brantevics). This is story like so many other war stories hitting the theatres lately. The difference lies in the details. Once the movie starts, you get sucked into the story, knowing what will happen. After German soldiers kill his mother and the family dog, he signs on with the Latvian battalion of the Imperial Russian Army, along with his father and brother. Then more tragedy strikes. I was really impressed by how the movie was filmed and the awesome acting of Oto Brantevics (first movie role and casted out of 1300 candidates). The last part of the movie is slower paced and makes you think about Artur. All the choices he made seemed the wrong ones. But are there good ones in a war like this. The storytelling tackles two wars and the absurdity of the war. Again, if you like war movies, this one you have to see. There are really awesome scenes you will not forget.

This film tells a story based on a novel "Dveselu putenis" by Aleksandrs Grins. Novel is too long for the film, so Scriptwriter Boris Frumin took the best parts to match 120 minute playtime.

Film resembles war tragedy, as scriptwriter Boris Frumin puts it. Many people gave their time and energy, you can literary feel it in the movie. That important it was. Our nation needed it. This is a people's film. Very inspiring and uplifting.

This film have a wide appeal. Just go and see it!