1944 (2015)
A haunting Estonian war drama about brothers forced onto opposite sides of the same devastating conflict.
1944 - Movie Information
- Original Title: 1944
- Release Year: 2015
- Directed by: Elmo Nüganen
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: Estonian
- Spoken Languages: German, Estonian, Russian
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 20, 2015 (Brazil - 16), January 6, 2016 (United States), November 24, 2015 (Canada), February 11, 2016 (United Kingdom), November 6, 2015 (France), December 10, 2015 (India), December 23, 2015 (South Korea - 15), March 11, 2016 (China)
- Alternative Titles: 1944: Forced to Fight (UK), 我们的1944 (CN), 1944 (SE)
- Production Companies: MRP Matila Röhr Productions, Taska Film
- Production Countries: Estonia, Finland
1944 - Plot
The events of the war in 1944, from the Blue Hills to Sõrve Peninsula. Shown through the eyes of Estonian soldiers who had to pick sides and fight against fellow brothers. Choices have to be made, not only by the soldiers, but also by their loved ones.
1944 - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the harrowing world of 1944 unfold:
The first casualty of war is truth
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1944 - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Elmo Nüganen
Main Cast
- Kaspar Velberg
- Kristjan Üksküla
- Maiken Pius
- Gert Raudsep
- Hendrik Toompere Jr.
- Karl-Andreas Kalmet
- Henrik Kalmet
- Pääru Oja
- Priit Strandberg
- Priit Pius
Writers
- Leo Kunnas
Producers
- Kristian Taska
1944 - FAQs
Is 1944 based on a true story?
1944 is grounded in real historical events. During World War II, Estonian men were conscripted into both the German Wehrmacht and the Soviet Red Army, often ending up fighting against one another. The film dramatizes this tragic reality through fictional characters whose experiences reflect documented history.
What is 1944 about?
1944 follows Estonian soldiers caught on opposite sides of World War II, from the Blue Hills to the Sõrve Peninsula. The film examines the anguish of men forced to fight against their own countrymen, alongside the impossible choices faced by their families and loved ones back home.
Where can you stream 1944?
1944 is available on several platforms in the United States. Free ad-supported options include Tubi TV, Xumo Play, The Roku Channel, YouTube Free, Fandango at Home Free, and Plex. It is also available for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, and for rent or purchase on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
Why do Estonian soldiers fight on both sides in 1944?
Estonia was occupied first by the Soviet Union and then by Nazi Germany during World War II. As a result, Estonian men were conscripted into whichever occupying power controlled their region. This meant brothers and neighbors ended up in opposing armies, a historical reality the film portrays with unflinching honesty.
Who directed 1944?
1944 was directed by Elmo Nüganen, one of Estonia's most celebrated stage and screen directors. Known for his work in Estonian theater, Nüganen brought a deeply humanistic perspective to this wartime story, focusing on personal tragedy rather than battlefield spectacle.
Who are the main actors in 1944?
The principal cast of 1944 includes Kaspar Velberg, Kristjan Üksküla, Maiken Pius, Gert Raudsep, Hendrik Toompere Jr., Karl-Andreas Kalmet, Henrik Kalmet, Pääru Oja, Priit Strandberg, and Priit Pius, many of whom are prominent figures in Estonian theater and film.
What language is 1944 filmed in?
1944 is primarily filmed in Estonian, reflecting its origins as an Estonian production. The film also features dialogue in German and Russian, mirroring the multilingual reality of the Eastern Front during World War II and adding authenticity to its portrayal of the conflict.
What are films similar to 1944?
Viewers who appreciated 1944 may also enjoy The Fencer (2015), a Finnish-Estonian co-production set in the same era, as well as Seven Beauties (1975) and Strayed (2003) for their intimate wartime perspectives. Zero Point (2014) and 1944 The Final Defence (2007) offer further exploration of the Eastern Front experience.
More About 1944
Explore further details about 1944 on these authoritative resources: