Movie spotlight

...nebo být zabit

Name: ...nebo být zabit
Released: 1986-02-01

1986

Movie

Czech

March 1945. It is already quite obvious to the Nazis that they cannot win the war. So it is time to think about the future after the war and to cover their tracks. One concentration camp must be completely cleared out and the prisoners buried in the mines. Only the mine-hunters remain - among them Ernest, a veteran of the Spanish Civil War from Vienna, and Kim, a resistance fighter from Prague. One day they decide to escape with the other prisoners, but they are betrayed and most of the escapees are shot. The pair of heroes are not alone, however, and on the way they are joined by a guard dog from the camp that Kim used to feed. In the coming days, Ernest leads young Kim through the unrelenting cold on his journey to freedom, teaching him that there is only one rule to follow in this time - kill or be killed.

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IMDb7.2/10

Director: Jan Schmidt•Genres: Documentary, War

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the harrowing experiences of Czechoslovak soldiers fighting on the Western Front during World War I. It uses historical footage, letters, and diaries to portray their struggles, sacrifices, and the brutal realities of war. The film aims to shed light on a often-overlooked chapter of Czech history, highlighting the fight for national identity and freedom amidst global conflict.

Critical Reception

Nebo být zabit received critical acclaim for its powerful depiction of World War I from a unique Czechoslovak perspective. Reviewers praised its historical accuracy, emotional impact, and the effective use of archival material. It is considered an important contribution to war documentary filmmaking, offering a poignant and moving tribute to the soldiers' resilience and their fight for independence.