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Movie spotlight

Partisan

2013
Movie
18 min
English

In 1942, Poland, a young Jewish girl escapes a Nazi raid to join a partisan group in the forest and lead a personal, revenge mission against the Nazi collaborator who ratted out her family. As Bella matures from a lost, frightened girl to a fierce guerrilla fighter, she adapts to the new life she is thrust into without a proper transition into womanhood. Will Bella be able to confront her family's murderer or will her emotions and unresolved fragility get the the better of her during the mission?

Insights

IMDb5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users69%
Director: Ariel KleimanGenres: Drama, Thriller, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a secluded, self-sufficient community led by a charismatic father figure, children are raised to be skilled assassins. A young boy named Alexander begins to question the strict doctrines and the true nature of their existence when his mother is sent away. As Alexander grows, he navigates a complex web of loyalty, manipulation, and emerging identity, ultimately challenging the established order of his isolated world.

Critical Reception

Partisan received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with many praising Vincent Cassel's performance and the film's unsettling atmosphere and visual style. However, some critics found the narrative slow-paced and the film's thematic explorations somewhat underdeveloped.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique premise and striking visuals.

  • Vincent Cassel delivers a commanding and unnerving performance.

  • Some reviewers found the plot lacking momentum and resolution.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be thought-provoking and visually distinctive, appreciating the performances, particularly Vincent Cassel's. However, some viewers expressed a desire for a more engaging plot and clearer thematic focus.

Awards & Accolades

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2015. Nominated for Best Actor for Vincent Cassel at the 2015 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards.

Fun Fact

Director Ariel Kleiman was inspired by real-life cults and the idea of children being indoctrinated into specific belief systems and skill sets from a young age.

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