Nobody Wanted to Die is a 1965 Lithuanian film made in Soviet Lithuania and directed by Vytautas Žalakevičius. Žalakevičius, actor Donatas Banionis, and cinematographer Jonas Gricius were awarded USSR State Prize for the film in 1967. The film was shot at the Toliūnai Manor in Pasvalys District and featured additional scenes filmed at the Maslauskiškiai Watermill in Raseiniai District. The black-and-white, widescreen film runs 107 minutes (1 hour 47 minutes). It is recognized as the first Soviet film to portray the lives of the Lithuanian partisans.

Plot

Set in 1947, during the establishment of Soviet authority in Lithuania, the story takes place in a rural village torn by postwar struggles. Residents face difficult choices, caught between supporting Soviet rule or the resistance led by the Forest Brothers. Lokis, the chairman of the village council, is assassinated by Domovoi’s supporters—marking him as the fifth chairman killed that year. Lokis' sons vow to avenge his death. To replace Lokis, Vaitkus, a former member of the Forest Brothers resistance group, is forcibly appointed as the new chairman. The tension between villagers and the Forest Brothers escalates, culminating in an assault on the village by resistance fighters. The Lokis brothers, determined to defend their home and ideals, successfully repel the attack, defeating the assailants.

Significance and reception

The film received critical acclaim and is considered a significant work in the history of Lithuanian cinema. However, due to its creation during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, the film is viewed critically by some Lithuanians for its ideological portrayal of historical events. The film’s depiction of the partisans and their opposition to Soviet rule has sparked controversy. Critics have noted its propagandistic undertones and ideological framing of the events.

Awards