2021-09-16
N/A
103 min
World War II, occupied Soviet Union. István Semetka is a simple Hungarian farmer who serves as a Sub-Lieutenant in a special unit scouting for partisan groups. On their way to a remote village, his company falls under enemy fire. As the commander is killed, Semetka has to overcome his fears and take command of the unit as he is dragged into a chaos that he cannot control.
Natural Light will inevitably, draw comparisons with anti war films, like Come and See.
Its style is similarly raw, unpretentious and cruel. Ordinary, often likeable sane people, do awful deranged things, in war, that would be unthinkable, at any other time.
Natural Light exposes how this shift in human thinking can easily take place. People can move from a posture of respectful, if not always comfortable, civility, to one of outright barbarity.
This film is well made and acting is of a high standard. That said, just like other anti war films in a similar vein, its not an easy watch. Certainly, its not as overtly brutal as Come and See. Much of the what happens is hinted at but what is presented, is nonetheless, heart wrenching.
In summary, this film is as the title suggests, one that presents the horrors of war for both combatant and most particularly, civilian populations, in a clear and unblemished fashion.Its harsh, cruel and isn't recommended for the very sensitive viewer.
Nonetheless, like its piers its message is an important one. War's are not glorious or honourable. Instead, they bring only misery and death, to ordinary people, trying to live their lives.
