Sergei Lotznitsa’s most symphonic compilation film is inspired by W. G. Sebald’s collection of essays bearing the same title which criticizes the lack of attention for the civilian victims of the Allied mass bombings of German cities during the Second World War. His piece is based on the archival footage and asks disturbing questions: is it morally acceptable to use civilian population as a means of war? Is it possible to justify mass destruction for the sake of higher 'moral' ideals? These questions remain as relevant today, as it was 80 years ago. A nighttime bombing raid filmed from the air lights up the explosions far below. The sea of lights like a a Jackson Pollock painting negativelly fascinates with its perverse beauty but the director never lets you forget the impact of the devastation. The bombs mark the dividing line between a merciless “before” and “after.”