Patriots

A family who call themselves true patriots of Lithuania is preparing for a special celebration - their son's send-off to the volunteer army. The father is the happiest about his son's choice, as he divides people into only two groups: patriots and traitors to the state. But as the farewell approaches, the joy is replaced by increasing tension, until finally, hidden emotions erupt. Conflicts of values come to the surface, and the attempts of the household to prove their devotion to their homeland begin to teeter on the edge of the absurd. In the end, it turns out that the true patriots are not those who speak loudly of their love for their country.

Directed by Alvydas Šlepikas, Patriots leans on a strong ensemble — Rimantė Valiukaitė, Ramūnas Cicėnas, Olita Dautartaitė — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 2016.