Blizzard of Souls - Zwischen den Fronten

There are excellent war films being made in the Baltics, the only thing missing from perfection is a bigger budget. First, the Estonians delighted me with their take on World War II, today it was the Latvians with the first one, which was supposed to be the last... It was probably meant as a somber celebration of the heroism of the Latvian soldiers, but for me, it was a film about the gradual loss of illusions, and it was a treat. (12.05.2021)

Films like Blizzard of Souls are only sporadically produced in today's Europe, and perhaps only the Poles and Russians consistently dedicate themselves to them. Firstly, they represent the most expensive and technically demanding type of production in a situation where audiences are spoiled by big-budget war films from American and Asian studios. Secondly, the current social climate does not favor them, as European cultural elites are cosmopolitan and advocate multiculturalism. They associate national pride with nationalism, and for them, patriotism is just another term for fascism. Projects like Blizzard of Souls usually relate to confirming national identity and statehood. In the case of the Baltics, it directly relates to the restoration of nations that, due to population size and historical development, are not at all a given. In terms of the small Latvian cinema, it is an exceptional achievement in every aspect. Young Arturs has accomplished a lot in five years. He meets three women, serves in three armies, fights for four different regimes, experiences three offensives, sustains four injuries, and his birthplace finds itself under four state entities. Yes, Europe was a very wild place to live in back then, and it was necessary to constantly be on guard. The battle scenes are filmed without pathos or heroization of the right side—the actions of the film's protagonists do not suffer from logical acrobatics. Simply put, it is a high-quality genre film. Overall impression: 90%. (27.01.2021)

Very nicely shot by Latvian standards, and the First World War setting is definitely welcome. However, the film suffers from it and turns out to be a bit boring. The characters didn't interest me much, it is necessary to clarify that the film is primarily a war drama, with very little action, and even there is some action, it is mostly uninteresting. It lacks brutality, intensity, and tension. The soldiers stand in place, shoot, reload, the end. I understand that the weapons in the First World War were different from those in the Second, but it could definitely have done more interestingly. Additionally, the Latvian army was very small, so it appears modest in every aspect. For me, it is not gritty and rough enough, it is too polished, and the civilian scenes are tedious. The protagonist goes through three partners, and I don't need to see that in a war movie. Those who prefer romance, emotions, and a drawn-out story over war carnage will be satisfied. Story***, Action**, Humor**, Violence*, Entertainment***, Music***, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Tension**. 5/10. (04.01.2021)

The horrific course and tragic consequences of the First World War are mirrored against the backdrop of the thrilling story of sixteen-year-old Arthurs fighting for a free Latvia. It should be noted that this is a very good film that is worth seeing. If for no other reason, it will broaden your horizons about the complex situation on the Eastern Front at that time. And women will surely appreciate the bit of romance that can be found here. (80%) (23.04.2021)