Dawn

Synopsis

Dawn (original title: Ausma), directed by Laila Pakalnina and featuring Anton Georgs Grauds, unravels a poignant tale set against the historical backdrop of post-World War II Latvia. The film follows the harrowing journey of a young boy who grapples with the loss of his family amidst the turmoil of war. As he seeks refuge in the wilderness, he encounters the struggles of survival while facing moral dilemmas that challenge his understanding of humanity. Through stunning cinematography and evocative storytelling, Dawn illuminates the depths of human resilience and compassion against the coldness of war. The film intricately weaves personal tragedy with national history, rendering a moving portrait of the era’s impact on individual lives. As the boy forges connections in the wild, he discovers strength in vulnerability and learns that hope can emerge even in the darkest times. Dawn is a reflection on the innocence lost in conflict and the lingering scars of the past, masterfully evoking sympathy and introspection in viewers.

Cast

• Antons Georgs Grauds

  Little Janis

• 

  Vilis Daudziņš

  Little Janis' Father

• 

  Wiktor Zborowski

  Karl Ivanovitš

• 

  Āris Rozentāls

  Karl Ivanovitš (voice)

• 

  Andris Keišs

  Jekabs Kalnins

• 

  Liena Šmukste

  Mirdza Ozolina

Reviews

Dawn has received a variety of feedback from critics since its release in 2015. On IMDb, the film holds a solid rating of 6.6/10, indicating a generally positive reception from audiences. Critics have praised the film's visual storytelling, with 'The Hollywood Reporter' noting that 'Dawn captures the haunting beauty of the Latvian landscape, accentuating the emotional weight of the story.' However, some reviews have pointed to pacing issues, suggesting that the film's exploration of its themes can feel sluggish at times. 'Rotten Tomatoes' maintains a modest score, reflecting mixed reviews that highlight both strengths and weaknesses. Notably, 'Film Comment' remarked, 'The young protagonist's performance is poignant and raw, breathing life into a narrative steeped in tragedy.' Nonetheless, other outlets, such as 'The Latvian National Cinema', criticized the film for its lack of character development, stating that the supporting cast felt underutilized. Overall, Dawn's cinematography and thematic depth have been noted as standout features, making it a thought-provoking watch despite its narrative flaws.

See also

National Family

Box

Hello

Girl on the Moon