'Masterpiece' war film with perfect 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is on Apple TV

A lesser-known war film is hailed by fans as "extraordinarily beautiful" and has a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Ivan's Childhood (1962) tells the story of the titular Ivan (played by child actor Nikolai Burlyayev) a Russian boy whose parents are killed by German forces who storm their village during World War 2.

Ivan is desperate to avenge their deaths and joins the resistance against Adolf Hitler's invading forces. The film is directed by iconic Soviet director and screenwriter Andrei Tarkovsky and based on "Ivan" a 1957 short story by Vladimir Bogomolov. The movie was co-written by Mikhail Papava.

One audience writer on Rotten Tomatoes called the film a "poetic masterpiece" and a must-see movie.

Another said: "This a simple story of childhood in wartime, is deeply moving and powerful.

"It's so universal in its telling of the human condition and specifically how war ravages everyone and the devastating impacts on children."

A third said: "Extraordinarily beautiful movie. This is Tarkovsky's first feature film so we can see difference, but also familiar images (water sounds, horses, et cetera.), between his later achievements and this one.

"One of the differences is simple non-linear plot unlike Tarkovsky's other movies which are far more meditative and thoughtful.

"Nevertheless, I even think, in some strange way, this is its strength. Absolutely recommended!"

"Fifty years later, there's not much left to say, except I guess that all the things they say about it is true. Surreal, haunting, and tense."

The film has a perfect 100% score on the site's Tomatometer, which reflects the percentage of approved critics who have given it a positive review.

It's also highly rated among general audiences with a 93% Popcornmeter score based on more than 5,000 ratings.

The film, which has a 12 certificate, offers a stark depiction of the brutalities of the conflict - including documentary footage of dead bodies - so may not be for everyone.

Ivan's Childhood is available to rent or buy on YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV now.