Between Faith and Fear: Poignant Portrayal of Moral Dilemmas in ‘God Will Forgive’

"God Will Forgive" is a poignant exploration of faith, morality, and survival, set against the backdrop of war. The film's poignant climax adds depth to the narrative and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

“God Will Forgive” is a war drama that plunges viewers into the harrowing journey of a chaplain, portrayed by Viktor Zhdanov, as he navigates the landscape of a conflict zone. The film duly immerses the audience into the dire circumstances faced by its protagonist. From the outset, the tension is palpable as the chaplain grapples with a heart-wrenching dilemma: should he stop seeking divine forgiveness for a dying separatist, or continue his desperate flight, knowing that he has stepped on a landmine that could end his life at any moment?

The film’s masterful use of cinematography draws viewers into the chaplain’s world. Close-up shots capture the raw emotion etched on his face, while point-of-view angles and wide shots provide a stark contrast, highlighting the vastness and desolation of the war-torn environment. Aerial and bodycam shots further enhance the immersive experience, making the audience feel as though they are right there with the chaplain, sharing in his fear and urgency.

One particularly striking scene features a top-down shot of a bus navigating through a landscape littered with burnt-out vehicles, evoking a sense of impending doom. The meticulous framing and shot composition throughout the film not only serve to heighten the tension but also underscore the chaplain’s internal and external struggles.

Acting

Good performance from its cast, particularly focusing on the characters played by Sergey Shardin and Viktor Zhdanov. While Sergey Shardin effectively portrays the harrowing choice of taking up arms in his final moments, bringing to light the struggles of those living in conflict zones and their fight for freedom, it is Viktor Zhdanov who truly stands out.

Zhdanov’s portrayal of the chaplain is engaging. The body cam shots capture the raw fear, helplessness, and urgency in his eyes as he desperately tries to flee the war-torn area. The flashback sequences provide a poignant glimpse into his internal turmoil, revealing the pain of losing a family member and the desperation to escape.

Director Hovhannes Khachatryan crafts an open-ended narrative allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the film's outcome.

One of the most striking scenes is when Viktor’s character casually ignores a dead body in an abandoned house, only to rush back and seek refuge beside it when shots are fired. This moment, masterfully directed, underscores the chaplain’s sheer desperation to survive. The director further emphasizes the strength of his character when he digs a grave and buries the body, showcasing his unwavering faith and respect for the deceased.

Cinematography

The cinematography in “God Will Forgive” is undoubtedly one of the film’s greatest strengths, thanks to the exceptional work of DOP Artem Kozyrev1. Each frame and transition between shots masterfully convey a sense of fear and destruction, enveloping the actors in an overall cold and gloomy atmosphere.

The cinematography in 'God Will Forgive' is undoubtedly one of the film's greatest strengths, thanks to the exceptional work of DOP Artem Kozyrev.

The wide shots of open areas shrouded in foggy mornings effectively immerse the audience in the harsh, cold environment, making it almost palpable. In a particularly memorable church scene, this pervasive gloom is contrasted with the warm glow of candlelight, impacting the viewer’s mood and heightening curiosity about the emotional weight of the scene. The framing of the scenes is so impactful that they linger in your mind long after the movie ends. 

Conclusion

“God Will Forgive” is a poignant exploration of faith, morality, and survival, set against the backdrop of war. The film’s poignant climax adds depth to the narrative and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Director Hovhannes Khachatryan crafts an open-ended narrative, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions about the film’s outcome. This deliberate ambiguity invites the audience to engage deeply with the story and its characters, fostering a personal connection and interpretation that lingers long after the credits roll.

Ambarish Purohit