1945, Leningrad. World War II has devastated the city, demolishing its buildings and leaving its citizens in tatters, physically and mentally. Two young women, Iya and Masha, search for meaning and hope in the struggle to rebuild their lives amongst the ruins.
Rated 4.5 / 5 from 1 log on Katalog
Beanpole is an intimate look at war trauma inflicted on humanity, and it is done with such tenderness through its fleshed out characters. It’s worth noting that the trauma in Leningrad (Soviet Saint Petersburg) was especially horrific, as the 2+ year siege is considered the deadliest in the history of warfare. I love war films that focus on things from a macro lens. Beanpole dares to ask questions about the meaning of life after so much suffering. It’s strange to say that a film with such heavy themes is also so colourful and gorgeously realised. Powerful performances elevate this story immensely, and it stands out to me as a sobering anti war picture.
