Blizzard of Souls

Blizzard of Souls, released in 2019, is a captivating and dramatic war film that expertly portrays the harsh reality and horrific experiences of the First World War. Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Aleksandrs Grīns, which was banned in the Soviet Union for 60 years, the movie is the most expensive Latvian film ever produced. Having amassed an array of international accolades, including the opportunity to represent Latvia in the Best International Feature Film category at the 92nd Academy Awards, Blizzard of Souls is a real testament to the potency of Latvian cinema.

The story is set against the backdrop of the First World War, focusing specifically on the Latvian Riflemen. The director, Dzintars Dreibergs, magnificently uses the historical framework to depict the tragic circumstances that these riflemen navigated, thereby capturing the unadulterated essence of this brutal period in human history.

The film centres around Arturs Vanags, brilliantly brought to life by the young actor Oto Brantevics, who gets swept up in the fervour of war along with his father and older brother. Arturs, initially an innocent and idealistic teenager, yearns to prove his worth by fighting for his country. However, he soon discovers the unimaginable trauma of warfare, allowing the viewers to follow his coming-of-age journey as he traverses the battlefields and the harsh truths that recoil in their wake.

The supporting characters, including Arturs' love interest Marta, played by Greta Trusina, and commanding officer, played by Martins Vilsons, are expertly used to further explore the theme of love during war. Their individual stories punctuate moments of unity, camaraderie, despair, and violence, forming the different shades of emotions within the human experience that are forced into focus during times of chaos.

One of the defining features of Blizzard of Souls is the excellent cinematography. The camera seemingly creates its own epic narrative, displaying an almost brutal honesty in the bloodied battlefields, the worn faces of soldiers and the emotionally-charged interiors, while simultaneously encapsulating the panoramic beauty of the Latvian countryside. This juxtaposition enhances the poignancy of the narrative.

The film explores the myriad of experiences endured by the soldiers – from the exhilaration and unity felt during victorious battles to the soul-crushing, ruthless massacre of war, the glory and the gore. The fears and dreams, the comradeship and disparity, the bravery and vulnerabilities of the young beings caught in the deadly dance of the war are beautifully portrayed. It's a tale of transformation, of how a naive boy matures into a man equipped with the brutal wisdom imparted by war.

Director Dzintars Dreibergs commands sheer power in his storytelling with the extensive use of symbolism. The bird, a repeated motif throughout the film, symbolises freedom, highlighting the unyielding desire of the Latvian people to maintain their independence. However, hope is often stifled by despair, which is presented in an unflinchingly honest manner in this war drama.

Blizzard of Souls further proves its calibre with a hauntingly sublime score. The music, merging traditional Latvian folk with modern influences, intensifies the emotional depth of the narrative, building tension in critical scenes and providing relief during calmer moments.

The performances in the film are uniformly excellent, with special accolades for the breakout star, Oto Brantevics. His portrayal of Arturs is exceptionally emotive and captivating, capturing the innocence, terror, and resilience of a young man thrown into war.

In conclusion, Blizzard of Souls is a magnificent historical war drama that is both emotionally moving and thought-provoking. It paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of war whilst giving deep insight into the unique experience and national identity of Latvia during this tumultuous period. Throughout the visceral battle scenes, personal tragedies and victories, and contemplative quiet moments, Blizzard of Souls remains a beautiful cinematic exploration of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable odds.