Everything Is Illuminated

It is really too bad that Liev Schreiber bit off too big of a portion, into which he mixed the motif of memory, personal and national identity, two time planes, east-focused comedic aspects, etc. The motif of memory is probably the cornerstone of the film, but it really only works fully at the end, thanks to Alex's letter. The parallel plane of Alex's grandfather's memories is one big overexposed mix without words and, unfortunately, without emotions. The comedic parameters of this "Ukrainian" road movie work thanks to the music rather than the gags, but the musical backdrop (composed of traditional music, Ukrainian pop and fragments of GOGOL BORDELLO) really is worth it. In terms of the acting, I would definitely like to highlight Alex's quirky grandfather and Eugen Hutz himself, who enjoys playing a young Ukrainian dandy and is even able to encompass him. Elijah Wood looks very strange, as if he is outside of the film at times. Liev Schreiber tried very hard to create a good film, but it fails in terms of coherence and expressive value. I am also a little bothered by the ubiquitous artificial Ukraine that was shot in the Czech Republic. I give it four stars because I really like Everything Is Illuminated, and I enjoyed watching it twice. But the film’s mistakes cannot be ignored, because they affect the film more than enough. The film wants to be about everything, but sometimes, it has a hard time being at least about something. It’s too bad. (04.01.2008)

I have to say that I didn't expect much from this movie and surprisingly, I got a lot. Liev Schreiber as a director and screenwriter definitely didn't disappoint, he didn't even force himself into any roles. Very melancholic, sentimental, and strangely poetically harsh. World War II stories must be filmed with feeling and in this case, it was definitely successful. Moreover, the characters are simply excellent. The most interesting stories are simply written by life. Unfortunately. (24.02.2014)

A film that easily stirred the hearts of viewers yearning for indie dramas in 2005. Although I felt how cleverly Schreiber manipulates me, and after an entertaining first half filled with humorous dialogue and ideas, he abruptly cuts it off and transitions into a sad illuminating passage. In the end, it is truly unpredictable, but a unique journey of self-discovery filled with excellent actors, surprisingly led by the Russian duo of grandson and grandfather, not Wood. (17.03.2006)

I have had the book of the same name in my library for a few months now, but I haven't been able to get to it yet, as is usual for me, so I can't compare it with the film version. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of that, the film captivated me. The unusual combination of genres, where the film gradually transitions from a comedic road movie to a serious drama, worked excellently in this case. The events on the screen are accentuated by music, which is a variation of Jewish klezmer. A young Jewish man from a well-to-do American family searches for his roots in Ukraine and gradually uncovers the dark secret of the destruction of a large Jewish settlement during World War II. The emotionally intense scenes almost brought me to tears, which is a sign for me that the film didn't have fake tones or cheap sentiments, but genuine emotions. It's clear from the film that Liev Schreiber has been involved in the film industry for a long time and, even though he doesn't have directing experience, at least not in the film world, he has learned a lot and has talent. Elijah Wood is a reliable and talented actor who easily handles the main role, and Czech viewers can also be satisfied with the presence of some supporting characters played by Czech actors and can get to know Czech realities, as this film was shot in the Czech Republic. I didn't give it a fifth star because I don't understand how the founder of the American branch could travel from occupied Ukraine to the USA in March 1942, or why the Ukrainian witness never got into a car until the late 90s. A few times, the script and dialogue were a bit off, and it's also evident that it was filmed by Americans unfamiliar with Eastern European mentality. The owner of a travel agency would hardly transport his American clients in a rattling Trabant on perfect highways. Here, the brand of the car is a sign of belonging to a certain social class and wealth, so it would be the opposite. Overall impression: 85%. (18.04.2011)