NEW TO VIRTUAL CINEMAS AND VOD! A young Jewish boy somewhere in Eastern Europe seeks refuge during World War II, where he encounters many different characters.
Leaving the theater, viewers will be unable to shake the haunting imagery in the new film The Painted Bird. Based on the novel by Jerzy Kosinski, adapted and directed by Václav Marhoul, it tells the harrowing story of a young unnamed boy making his way home through Eastern Europe during World War II. Passing through swaths of battling factions and patches of provincial villages, our protagonist is eyewitness to the darkest truths and the brightest moments of humanity. The result is easily one of the most grueling and rewarding movies to arrive in years.
“…a young unnamed boy making his way home through Eastern Europe during World War II.”
Opening with a wince-inducing act of violence, the film does not shy away from the depiction of cruelty. Our protagonist, The Boy (Petr Kotlar), runs away from a group of bullies, carrying his pet ferret. They caught up to him and meted out their brand of child’s play. After the incident, we watch as The Boy is cared for by someone he calls Auntie on a remote farm in the Eastern European countryside. Why is he there? Who is this woman? He is being fed, clothed, and sleeps in a comfortable, warm bed, but why? He is bored, unhappy, and misses home. Tragedy strikes, and The Boy has no choice but to attempt to make his way back to his parents. Where is home? Even The Boy doesn’t know for sure.
"…the most grueling and rewarding movies to arrive in years."
