The Invisible Front (2014)

"The Invisible Front" is a poignant exploration of one of the 20th century's most impactful anti-Soviet resistance movements, as seen through the eyes of its leader, Juozas Luksa, and his band of noble Forest Brothers. The film delves into the heart of a resistance born in the occupied territories of the former Soviet Union in 1940, and later in 1944, a resistance that persisted, in myriad forms, until the Soviet Union's downfall in 1991. This groundbreaking film paints the intricate tapestry of an underground war, both armed and unarmed, that shaped the destiny of Eastern Europe post-World War II. The filmmakers, Mark Ryan, Mark Johnston, Jonas Ohman, and Vincas Sruoginis, spent four years meticulously gathering stories and facts, conducting over 50 interviews with prominent figures like Presidents Adamkus of Lithuania and Zatlers of Latvia, as well as CIA operatives, US government officials, and those who battled on both sides of the ideological divide. Simultaneously a historical record and a study of human resilience, "The Invisible Front" offers firsthand accounts and unprecedented access to previously unseen archival footage. Through reenactments, authentic documents from the KGB museum, and haunting photographs of the era, the film brings to life the stark reality of the Lithuanian underground armed resistance. It showcases the indomitable spirit of those who dared to defy Stalin and his regime, as well as those who fought for Moscow. Narrated by Andrius Mamantovas, the voice of Juozas Luksa resonates with the echoes of a bygone era, offering viewers a rare glimpse into a hidden world and the personal choices made in times of repression. The narrative also includes the perspectives of individuals who witnessed or participated in the underground resistance and lived to see the fall of the Soviet Union. "The Invisible Front" is a touching tribute to a fading heritage, an accurate account of a clandestine struggle that contributed significantly to the collapse of the Soviet Union, exactly half a century after its inception. It's a film that ignites reflection on the significance of personal choice amid strife and subjugation, capturing the essence of a monumental historical event from a uniquely Western perspective.

The Invisible Front is a documentary movie directed by Jonas Ohman.

The Invisible Front is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Invisible Front on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Google Play Movies.