Beanpole

In the desolate aftermath of World War II, two women, Iya and Masha, navigate the ruins of Leningrad, both haunted by their experiences. Iya, a towering nurse nicknamed 'Beanpole' due to her extreme height and emaciation, struggles with PTSD and physical ailments. Masha, a former fellow soldier, returns seeking solace and a sense of normalcy. Their bond deepens as they try to find meaning and connection amidst the pervasive grief and destruction, forming a fragile hope for the future.

Beanpole was widely acclaimed by critics for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of post-war trauma and the resilience of the human spirit. While emotionally demanding and visually stark, its performances, direction, and thematic depth were consistently praised, making it a standout film in contemporary cinema.

• A devastatingly beautiful and emotionally raw depiction of post-war survival.

• Features incredible, nuanced performances from its lead actresses.

• Visually striking and thematically profound, though not for the faint of heart.

Google audience: Google users praise "Beanpole" for its intense emotional impact and powerful storytelling. Many highlight the captivating performances and the film's ability to explore difficult themes with sensitivity. Some viewers found the subject matter heavy, but generally, the film resonated deeply.

Won the Un Certain Regard prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival and was Russia's official submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Director Kantemir Balagov was inspired to make the film by Svetlana Alexievich's book 'The Unwomanly Face of War', which compiles oral histories of women who fought in the Soviet Union during World War II.