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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Come and See

Come and See is a 1985 Soviet anti-war film directed by Elem Klimov.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Come and See is a 1985 Soviet anti-war film directed by Elem Klimov. Set in German-occupied Belarus during World War II, it follows a Belarusian teenager who joins the resistance and witnesses wartime atrocities. The film is widely regarded as one of cinema’s most harrowing depictions of war.

Plot

The story follows Flyora, a teenager who joins a Soviet partisan unit after finding a rifle. As the war unfolds, he witnesses the destruction of his village and the atrocities committed under Nazi occupation.

Production

Directed by Elem Klimov, the film was written with Ales Adamovich and produced by Mosfilm and Belarusfilm. It was made in the Soviet Union and released in 1985.

Themes

Come and See focuses on innocence lost, the dehumanizing effects of war, and the suffering of civilians under occupation. Its style emphasizes subjective terror rather than heroic combat.

Reception

The film has received strong critical praise and is often described as one of the most powerful anti-war films ever made. Reviewers frequently highlight its emotional intensity and disturbing realism.

Key facts

  • The film is set in German-occupied Belarus during World War II.
  • Its central character is a young Belarusian boy named Flyora.
  • The screenplay is based on works by Ales Adamovich, including *Khatyn* and *I Am from the Fiery Village*.
  • The film is known for its intense, graphic portrayal of wartime violence and psychological trauma.
  • The title comes from the Book of Revelation.
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Canadian context

Canadian viewers and film scholars often discuss Come and See as a landmark anti-war film and a major work of world cinema.

Frequently asked questions

What is Come and See about?
It follows a Belarusian teenager who joins the resistance during World War II and experiences the devastation of Nazi occupation.
Who directed Come and See?
The film was directed by Elem Klimov.
When was Come and See released?
It was released in 1985.
What language is Come and See in?
The film’s original language is Belarusian.
What is Come and See based on?
Its screenplay draws on writings by Ales Adamovich, including *Khatyn* and *I Am from the Fiery Village*.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Come_and_See
    Supports: Basic identification, release year, director, cast, plot, and source material.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/come_and_see
    Supports: Plot synopsis, production details, runtime, original language, and release information.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091251/
    Supports: Plot summary, title, reception notes, and title meaning.
  4. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/come-and-see/umc.cmc.3eb5vzooka0je73d5ru7e6bbt
    Supports: Synopsis, year, runtime, cast, and production context.