Is I Want to See You Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1978)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1978, I Want to See You represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, War category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Fritz Schmenkel, a farm worker and soldier in the fascist Wehrmacht, deserts in Belarus in 1941. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, War are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Fritz Schmenkel, a farm worker and soldier in the fascist Wehrmacht, deserts in Belarus in 1941. He wants to survive, makes his way to Russian farmers and comes into contact with Soviet partisans who, after long interrogations by the German teacher and current partisan Miron, take him in as one of their own. Schmenkel proves his reliability in a number of daring actions and is awarded the Order of the Red Banner. In the winter of 1943/44, he is given a reconnaissance mission and falls into the hands of the fascists in Minsk. After days of interrogation, which he withstands, the Nazis execute him."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Walter Plathe, the performance in I Want to See You feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by János Veiczi is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 96 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is I Want to See You truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, War, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, I Want to See You explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1978 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and János Veiczi respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, I Want to See You is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Walter Plathe or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, I Want to See You is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.