★ 7 / 10
Natural Light will inevitably, draw comparisons with anti
MovieGuys
Natural Light will inevitably, draw comparisons with anti war films, like Come and See. Its style is similarly raw, unpretentious and cruel. Ordinary, often…
Natural Light will inevitably, draw comparisons with anti war films, like Come and See.
Its style is similarly raw, unpretentious and cruel. Ordinary, often likeable sane people, do awful deranged things, in war, that would be unthinkable, at any other time.
Natural Light exposes how this shift in human thinking can easily take place. People can move from a posture of respectful, if not always comfortable, civility, to one of outright barbarity.
This film is well made and acting is of a high standard. That said, just like other anti war films in a similar vein, its not an easy watch. Certainly, its not as overtly brutal as Come and See. Much of the what happens is hinted at but what is presented, is nonetheless, heart wrenching.
In summary, this film is as the title suggests, one that presents the horrors of war for both combatant and most particularly, civilian populations, in a clear and unblemished fashion.Its harsh, cruel and isn't recommended for the very sensitive viewer.
Nonetheless, like its piers its message is an important one. War's are not glorious or honourable. Instead, they bring only misery and death, to ordinary people, trying to live their lives.
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★ 7 / 10
One of the extremely rare movies that depicts the inhumane fight between German troops and the Partisans during WW2.
Erik_Surewaard
The international title for this movie is "Natural Light". The story takes place in the area of Saltanovka, Belarus. Coincidentally, this area is already…
The international title for this movie is "Natural Light". The story takes place in the area of Saltanovka, Belarus. Coincidentally, this area is already famous for an important battle that took place in 1812, i.e. The french invasion of Russia. This movie however is about a hungarian corporal, which serves in the German troops during WW2. I actually think that these troops may have been part of the SS, whereby it was their main task to keep control of the areas after they where conquered by the german army. Itbis actually a difficult "war" against the remaining resistance - i.e. Partisans - whom hide in the woods in the eastern countries of the Nazi controlled area.
I think that this movie very well portrays what war in these occupied woods - against the Partisans - is about. Due to the mud, swamps and (oftentimes) rain, it is very slowgoing, whereby trust, food and water are main items. It also causes normal human behavior to slowly slip away, making place for a need for survival combined with evilness. This whereby even women and children are not spared from getting hurt. Through the eyes of the corporal, we will get a small impression of what it may have been like.
Due to this movie wanting to portray this type of warfare as close as possible, this results in a very slowgoing story. This whereby long periods of "basic survival" alternate short periods of intense action when contact is made with the Partisans. So please be warned that this movie is not the typical movie filled with lots of talking and events. Instead, the amount of talking is minimal. Actually, it is more about human deeds, in an area where "laws" are determined by the people themselves.
I think this movie is an excellent portrayal of this type of warfare, which took place for almost 4 years in these areas. I think the words "hunting humans" is the best way to describe what happened in the woods during WW2.
The acting, props, vehicles, scenes, ... are all pretty decent. I really got the impression that I was watching events that looked like having taken place during WW2.
I am personally not aware of many other movies that try to portray the fight between Nazi controlled troops and the Partisans. I can only think of either "Defiance" (2008), with Daniel Craig in the lead role, or the very impressive "Wolyn" / "Hatred" (2016). Both movies however are seen from the viewpoint from the Partisans and/or the local population. What makes "Natural Light" unique is that it takes the viewpoint from the side of a hungarian soldier that fights for the german occupier...
I score this movie 6.7/10, resulting in an IMDb rating of 7 stars. I think this movie is a very relevant one in understanding this type of warfare that took place during WW2. It really is contrary to the "Blitzkrieg" that many think about when they talk about WW2.
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5.9/10
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