a2tis

Although the cast is great (Saulius Balandis, Rolandas Kazlas, Vladas Bagdonas, Ramunas Rudokas and others), theater director Jonas Vaitkus fails in cinematography at some points of making an interesting war/drama movie. Maybe that is because the creators chose wrong format - maybe it should have been mini-series instead of 90 minutes to fit the whole story?... However the movie is worth seeing. Firstly - for the great camera work (Algimantas Mikutenas), secondly - for the wonderful soundtrack (Kipras Masanauskas), thirdly - for it is the first movie in history to depict (at least at some extent) the post-war genocide brought upon Lithuanian nation by Soviet occupants.

One of the greatest Lithuanian movies of all times tells us about the cruel reality of Lithuania right after the World War II, when the country is occupied by the Soviet Russia, few, but strong guerrillas still resist in the woods, part of the population (mainly because of the fear of death or banishment) supports soviets, and as they say "a brother goes against a brother". Film is clearly pro-sovietic (it would be banned at those times otherwise), yet we can easily find pieces of symbolism, which indicates, that some moments are just a "forced art". Zalakevicius was one of the most talented Lithuanian scriptwriters and directors, and it shows. All of the scenes are superbly suggestive, sharp and artistical. All the actors (Adomaitis, Masiulis, Budraitis, Noreika, Banonis, etc.) look more than charizmatic, portraying exciting characters, precisely embeded in this 'macho' movie, at times called even Lithuanian "7 samurai". Haven't seen any of Lithuanian movies? At least watch this one when you have a chance.

1972 Lithuanian classic heroic/action/romantic mini-series (4 parts, about 35 minutes each) tells a story of a famous robber Tadas Blinda, who gained reputation of the "Leveller of the World", yet the real story (that goes back to 19th century) about this man is not so romantic. He was just a robber, eventually killed by the people. At the times (1972) soviet system forced that a movie (or any form of art in general) is meaningful only when it declares ideas of Communist Party. Despite all this compulsory drawn ideas, the series offers really great directing (Balys Bratkauskas) and acting (V.Tomkus, etc.) and action scenes and nature, that all together forms a nice piece of a bit naive, but undoubtedly impressive action/romantic movie.