

To Be Unwanted
Valdemārs 'Voldis' Viters is released after seven years in prison. He is 46 years old and has no family or job. Some of his old friends have abandoned the life of crime, and policeman Leo Aleksandrs, as well as the beautiful taxi driver Irēna, try to persuade Voldis to forget the past and move on. But when the crime boss Teksis proposes a plan to rob a jewelry store, Voldis agrees, thinking this will be his last crime before starting a new life.
Insights
Plot Summary
In the tumultuous landscape of 1970s America, a disillusioned Vietnam War veteran grapples with his return to civilian life. Scarred by his experiences and unable to find his place in a society that seems to have moved on without him, he drifts from town to town, seeking solace and purpose. His journey is one of profound alienation, confronting societal indifference and his own internal demons.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'To Be Unwanted' received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising its raw emotional honesty and powerful performances, particularly from its lead actors. However, some found its pacing to be slow and its themes of disillusionment to be bleak. Audiences were divided, with some connecting deeply with the film's portrayal of post-war trauma, while others found it too heavy.
What Reviewers Say
- A poignant and unflinching look at the struggles of returning veterans.
- Features strong performances that anchor the film's emotional weight.
- Some viewers found the film's somber tone and deliberate pacing challenging.
Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's realistic portrayal of veteran struggles and the emotional depth of the characters. Many commended the acting and the film's ability to spark empathy for those affected by war. A smaller segment of reviewers found the narrative too depressing and lacking in hopeful resolution.
Awards & Accolades
Nominated for Best Actor at the Golden Globe Awards for Michael Forest. Received a Special Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for its humanitarian themes.
Fun Fact
The film's director, Richard E. Brooks, drew inspiration for the protagonist's struggles from interviews he conducted with actual Vietnam veterans during the production phase.
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