who to fight for

Gertrude 2022-04-21 09:03:40

The scenes of the war, though not brutal and bloody, were intense and spectacular. The film does not have a protagonist throughout the whole scene, which seems a bit scattered. The first half is an Estonian in the German army, and the second half is replaced by an Estonian in the Soviet army. The two people who went out of the country died on the battlefield, and they both died inexplicably. One died at the gunpoint of a fellow countryman, and the other was shot by his superior for not wanting to slaughter his fellow captives. From the Estonian's point of view, this war is a war between the Soviet Union and Germany, neither of which is a good thing, both are about occupying their territory, abusing the people, and both are aggressors. And a small and weak country like Estonia, caught in the big powers, is difficult to become independent, so countless Estonians were mercilessly involved in the war and became cannon fodder. Whether they fought for the Germans or the Soviets. Their deaths are of no benefit to their country and nation.

War is cruel, but politics is even more cruel, and the terrible political struggle in the Soviet Union is appalling. How many innocent people lost their lives by being easily labelled a counter-revolutionary. In fact, it might just be telling the truth. There is a sentence in the film, "The innocent people keep reproaching themselves, and the guilty people are at ease", which is the best explanation for the despicableness of politics.

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Extended Reading
  • Alfonso 2022-03-20 09:03:03

    The innocent are constantly rebuking themselves, and the guilty are at ease. Each nation's memories of war are always different. Estonia uses helplessness and absurdity to interpret the insoluble war. A group of young people joined the German and Soviet troops in confusion. They made fun of drinks, made fun of Hitler's photos, and discussed what to do when they met their own people. Until Yuri killed his fellow countryman and fell in love with the other's sister, the homeland could not be returned, and they were as lost as children with dolls in the wilderness. The rhythm is a little chaotic.

  • Philip 2022-04-23 07:05:04

    Good subject, but the narrative is a little jerky. Throughout World War II, the Soviet Union's hegemony was reflected in its relations with its weaker neighbors. Caught between Sod, Estonia is naturally a weak chicken. Different from the Soviet-Finnish war, Estonia was only abused, either by Germany or by the Soviet Union. After the abuse, it had to be used as a tool. Germany occupied it and recruited 50,000 troops to fight the Soviet Union, and the Soviet Union occupied it and recruited 70,000 troops to fight Germany. So here comes the problem. In just six short years, some Estonians must have joined the SS and the Red Army. This film focuses on these people, showing their hesitation and struggle. National disasters are at the forefront, individuals have no right to choose, and the wall is generally swaying from side to side. But when it comes to personnel, there is no lack of humanitarian spirit, and kindness prevails. Its values ​​are opposite to that of "Red Sorghum", and the film advocates that right and wrong are not enough to judge the good and evil of ordinary people who are caught up in the torrent. Although the politics is not correct enough, and although it is not as bloody as the "bandit anti-Japanese", I think it is more real and credible.

1944 quotes

  • Jüri Jõgi: The innocent always feel guilt, the guilty feel nothing.

  • Voldemar 'Piir': [twin brothers Käär have arrived at platoon as supplement] Who are you?

    Vennad Käärid: [simultaneously] SS-grenader Käär!

    Voldemar 'Piir': Supplement men?

    Vennad Käärid: [simultaneously] Yes, sir!

    Voldemar 'Piir': Ten men were promised, two were sent, they are also like one.

    Karl Tammik: What are your names?

    [brothers introduce themselves]

    Voldemar 'Piir': Relatives?

    Vennad Käärid: [simultaneously] Brothers.

    Voldemar 'Piir': I can see that, a bit similar.