Guerra e Ódio

I have seen my fair share of horror and gore movies but the most harrowing of horror films are those based on real events and the worst horrors are the ones being depicted not by imaginary monsters but by human beings.

Fair warning this one is a tough watch even if you're used to such films, it does not shy away from the violence that was committed during this time so be prepared to see men, woman and small children (even babies) being brutally murdered in some of the worst ways possible.

Overall this was a well made movie and I enjoyed it as a film but was completely shook up by it's content, not being a European myself (though familiar with these events) I still found it difficult at times to tell who was who as it involves Poles, Ukrainians, Jews, Germans and Russians including all the partisan groups and even mixtures of the above so one must pay close attention to follow along.

If you're looking for a good anti-war film this is it, after watching you will be utterly disgusted with what took place and if you're not then you're not human.

...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.

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.

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.

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.