The Poet

Embarking on a compelling narrative, the film unfolds the story of a fallen poet in post-war Lithuania, reluctantly enlisted by the KGB to infiltrate a partisan group. Expelled from the Lithuanian Soviet Writers’ Union due to his anti-Soviet writings, the talented poet, played by Donatas Želvys, finds himself at a crossroads when the NKVD (later the KGB) extends an offer. In exchange for the chance to regain his elite status among Soviet writers, he must establish contact with a group of partisans dwelling in the forests.

Taking on the guise of a newly appointed teacher in a remote village, he confronts the challenges of a tarnished reputation. Children recite his coerced verses praising the Soviet regime, while wary locals scrutinize his loyalties. A pivotal moment arises when an old friend guides him to the underground bunker of the Dainava resistance platoon. Tasked with crafting verses to inspire the oppressed, the poet grapples with moral dilemmas encompassing survival, loyalty, and resistance in post-war Lithuania.

The film delves into the complexities of a man torn between principles, societal pressures, and the opportunity to make a difference. Rooted in historical accounts and true stories, this cinematic journey authentically portrays the complex choices individuals faced during this tumultuous period, offering a poignant narrative of courage and sacrifice in the face of oppressive forces.