Burnt by the Sun (1994) Subtitles

Ingeborga Dapkunaite

Set in the Soviet Union in 1936, 'Burnt by the Sun' follows the story of a former Red Army officer, Colonel Sergei Kotov, who now lives a peaceful life in the countryside with his young wife Maroussia and their daughter Nadia. However, their tranquil life is disrupted when an old friend of Sergei's, Mitya, arrives with his young wife and her cousin. Mitya's arrival triggers a series of events that unravel the dark secrets of the past and threaten the harmony of Sergei's family. As the long, hot summer day unfolds, tensions rise and the true nature of Mitya's visit becomes clear. It is revealed that Mitya is now a high-ranking member of the NKVD, the Soviet secret police, and he has come to arrest Sergei on false charges of plotting against the government. Despite being betrayed by someone he once considered a friend, Sergei remains calm and dignified as he is taken away, leaving Maroussia and Nadia devastated. The film explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the impact of political turmoil on personal relationships, as well as the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.