Come and See: 1985 Anti-War Masterpiece Guide

Few films hit viewers with the force of a physical blow the way Elem Klimov’s “Come and See” does, with its unflinching look at Nazi atrocities in Belarus that is both harrowing and essential viewing. This guide explains why critics still rank it among the greatest war films ever made and where to stream or buy it legally in 2025.

Release year: 1985 · Director: Elem Klimov · Country: Soviet Union · Runtime: 142 minutes · IMDb rating: 8.4/10 · Rotten Tomatoes score: 95% (critics)

Seven key facts at a glance:

Is Come and See a good film?

Short answer: yes, by almost any critical measure. The film holds an 8.4/10 on IMDb (user ratings database) and a 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator). It won the Grand Prix at the 1985 Moscow International Film Festival and is frequently named among the greatest war films of all time by Encyclopaedia Britannica (reference publisher).

Critical reception and ratings

• IMDb: 8.4/10 from over 100,000 user votes — IMDb ratings
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95% critics (based on 20 reviews), 92% audience score — Rotten Tomatoes (same source as earlier; see confirmation)
• Letterboxd: 4.5/5 — Letterboxd (social film database)

Why it is considered a masterpiece

Critics praise the film’s visceral realism and its refusal to romanticize war. The Criterion Collection (premium home video publisher) calls it “one of the most devastating anti-war films ever made.” Roger Ebert, in his four-star review, wrote that it “achieves a level of emotional intensity that few films can match” — RogerEbert.com (film critic archive).

Is it suitable for all viewers?

Absolutely not. The film contains graphic depictions of war crimes, including massacre scenes and implied sexual violence. The BBFC (UK film classification board) rates it 15 for strong war violence and disturbing images. It is not recommended for children or anyone sensitive to violent content.

The implication: the film’s high critical standing is accompanied by a clear warning about its brutal content, making it a must-see for serious filmgoers but off-limits for casual viewing.

Where can I watch Come and See?

Streaming availability changes frequently by region. As of early 2025, here are the most reliable options.

Is Come and See on Netflix?

No — in most countries. The film was added to Netflix in several regions in 2020 but was removed in 2023 when the license expired. It may still be available in Japan and a few other territories — check your local Netflix library.

Is Come and See on Prime Video?

Yes, you can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video in the US and UK. Pricing varies by region, but typical rental is around $3.99 / £3.49 — Amazon Prime Video (digital rental/purchase).

Where to stream in the UK

• Prime Video: rent or buy
• BFI Player: occasionally available — BFI Player (UK streaming service)
• BBC iPlayer: not currently listed

Other streaming platforms and rental options

• Criterion Channel: available in the US as part of Criterion’s streaming ecosystem — Criterion Collection (same source as earlier)
• YouTube / Google Play: rent or buy in many regions
• Apple TV: purchase or rent
• DVD/Blu-ray: available through Criterion, Amazon, and specialty retailers

The pattern: Prime Video and Criterion Channel are the most consistent options for US viewers, while UK audiences have Prime Video and occasional BFI Player availability.

Why did it get taken off Netflix?

Netflix removed “Come and See” from most regions in 2023 when its licensing agreement expired. The company has not issued a public statement explaining the removal — JustWatch (availability tracker) confirms the change for the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. The film remains on Netflix in Japan as of early 2025, likely due to a separate licensing deal.

The trade-off: streaming rights for classic and foreign films are often negotiated for fixed terms, and renewal depends on viewer demand and cost. No official announcement about a return has been made.

What is the story of Come and See?

The film follows a teenage Belarusian boy, Florya, who joins a partisan group after finding a rifle in the sand. He soon witnesses the brutal reality of the Nazi occupation, culminating in the destruction of his village.

Plot summary

Set in 1943, in Nazi-occupied Belarus, Florya (played by Aleksei Kravchenko) leaves his family to fight with Soviet partisans. He meets a young woman named Glasha (Olga Mironova), and together they endure a series of atrocities that strip away any remaining innocence. The film’s second half centers on a massacre carried out by a German Einsatzgruppe, based on the real-life destruction of the Belarusian village of Khatyn.

Main characters: Florya and Glasha

• Florya: A 14-year-old boy whose enthusiasm for joining the partisans quickly turns to horror. His transformation from eager recruit to traumatized survivor is the heart of the film.
• Glasha: A young woman he meets during his journey. She represents both companionship and a reminder of the life lost to war.

Historical context: Nazi occupation of Belarus

The film is not a documentary but draws heavily on survivor testimonies and historical records. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica (reference publisher), more than 600 Belarusian villages were burned and their inhabitants killed during the Nazi occupation. “Come and See” recreates this horror with deliberate, unblinking intensity.

“One of the most devastating anti-war films ever made.”

“I wanted to show the truth of war, without any gloss or heroism.”

Who directed Come and See and what language is it in?

Directed by Elem Klimov, a Soviet filmmaker known for his intense, poetic style. The original language is Russian and Belarusian, reflecting the setting. English subtitles are included on all major home video and streaming releases — IMDb (film database).

Director Elem Klimov

Klimov (1933–2003) made only a handful of features, but “Come and See” is his most famous work. He spent years developing the project and insisted on using real ammunition and military equipment to achieve authenticity. The BFI (British Film Institute) calls it “a landmark of Soviet cinema.”

Original language and subtitles

• Primary languages: Russian, Belarusian
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French, and others available on most releases
• Note: The film was not dubbed into English for its original release; subtitles are essential for non-Russian speakers

Timeline

• 1985: “Come and See” released in the Soviet Union (IMDb)
• 1985: Wins Grand Prix at Moscow International Film Festival (IMDb awards)
• 2001: Restored and re-released in some markets (Criterion Collection)
• 2020: Added to Netflix in several regions, introducing the film to a new generation (JustWatch)
• 2023: Removed from Netflix in many countries due to license expiry (JustWatch)

Frequently asked questions

For viewers seeking a harrowing yet essential war film, “Come and See” remains a defining work, though its limited streaming availability requires careful planning.

For more on similar topics, read our guide on World War I: Causes, Combatants, Aftermath & Legacy and Wicked: For Good Release Date, Streaming, Dorothy & More.