Documentary backdrop image for Four Times Every One (2013)

Documentary backdrop image for Four Times Every One (2013)

201365 minPGdocumentary

Four Times Every One

201365 minPGdocumentary

Four legionnaires, born alongside the Latvian state, survived war and exile while maintaining their humanity and awaiting the nation's return.

Genres

Director

Sandijs Semjonovs

Synopsis

Four legionnaires, born alongside the Latvian state, survived war and exile while maintaining their humanity and awaiting the nation's return.

People

Sandijs Semjonovs

Sandijs Semjonovsdirector

Atis Klimovičswriter

Inese Zanderewriter

Pāvels Širovswriter

Ainis Kupčswriter

Synopsis

Kazimirs Šusts, Jānis Mencis, Imants Zeltiņš, and Kārlis Smiltēns were born alongside the Latvian state. Their lives intertwined with the nation’s struggles during wartime. Each legionnaire faced the challenges of conflict and exile, yet they found refuge in Latvia. The film recounts their experiences, detailing their resistance to Soviet oppression and their enduring hope for the return of a free Latvia. Through their stories, the documentary seeks to reclaim their past and honor their humanity.

Comments

What are people saying?

Play More Like This

Latvians Joining the Army (2026)

Latvians Joining the Army

In Latvia, as tensions escalate due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, four individuals-a sports journalist, an artist, an industrial climber, and a Catholic priest-enlist in the National Guard to defend their homeland.

Latvians Joining the Army

Latvia's Russian minority (2024)

Latvia's Russian minority

One in four people in Latvia have Russian roots, a fact that complicates their identity amid rising tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Latvia's Russian minority

Ukraine, the Fratricidal War (2025)

Ukraine, the Fratricidal War

Over 150,000 Russian soldiers were deployed along Ukraine's borders by February 23, 2022, as the country braced for an imminent invasion.

Ukraine, the Fratricidal War

This Russian Man Has Seen It All (2016)

This Russian Man Has Seen It All

Orliyevsky, a clockmaker from Vitebsk, reflects on a life marked by war, loss, and prejudice, revealing the resilience of the human spirit amidst turmoil.

This Russian Man Has Seen It All

Baltic Offensive: How The Soviets Re-occupied The Baltic States (2023)

Baltic Offensive: How The Soviets Re-occupied The Baltic States

1.2 million Soviet troops and 1,500 tanks launched an offensive in January 1944, overwhelming German forces in the Baltic States.

Baltic Offensive: How The Soviets Re-occupied The Baltic States

Becoming a Legionnaire: Inside the World's Toughest Selection (2026)

Becoming a Legionnaire: Inside the World's Toughest Selection

In the French Foreign Legion, new recruits undergo intense training and selection processes, facing elimination at every turn as they strive to become elite soldiers.

Becoming a Legionnaire: Inside the World's Toughest Selection

Europe, What's Next? - A Journey Through Latvia (2013)

Europe, What's Next? - A Journey Through Latvia

Riga, Latvia's capital, reflects on the impact of EU membership since 2004, highlighting economic growth, the 2008 crisis, and the lives of its 2.2 million residents.

Europe, What's Next? - A Journey Through Latvia

Baltic States: Life on the Edge (2024)

Baltic States: Life on the Edge

Twenty years after joining the European Union, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia still feel threatened by Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Baltic States: Life on the Edge

Latvia’s Unwanted Russians (2024)

Latvia’s Unwanted Russians

Latvia's Russian-speaking population faces increasing government restrictions and integration challenges amid rising socio-political tensions linked to the Ukraine conflict.

Latvia’s Unwanted Russians

Foreign Legion: the Secrets of a Selection (2022)

Foreign Legion: the Secrets of a Selection

1,300 people joined the French Foreign Legion in one year, undergoing a rigorous selection process that tests their physical and mental limits.

Foreign Legion: the Secrets of a Selection

Explore Four Times Every One

Browse more like this

Baltic States: Life on the Edge (2024)

Baltic States: Life on the Edge

Twenty years after joining the European Union, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia still feel threatened by Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Baltic States: Life on the Edge

No digital watch option in your country

My Favorite War (2020)

My Favorite War

2020•1h22m•★7.0TMDB

A young girl in Soviet Latvia dreams of becoming a filmmaker while growing up under the oppressive regime from 1970 to 1990.

My Favorite War

The Invisible Front (2014)

The Invisible Front

2014•1h27m•★5.8TMDB

Between 1944 and 1953, Lithuanian partisans led by Juozas Luksa fought against the Soviet Union, enduring horror and torture in their quest for freedom.

The Invisible Front

To Be Continued (2018)

To Be Continued

2018•1h37m•★8.0TMDB

Five children from different backgrounds in Latvia experience their first school year, revealing how family choices shape their lives.

To Be Continued

The Baltic Saga (2000)

The Baltic Saga

2000•1h•★9.0TMDB

Thousands of Latvians, Lithuanians, and Estonians who fled Soviet rule after World War II are returning to their homeland after regaining independence.

The Baltic Saga

Homeland (1990)

Homeland

1990•1h4m•★10.0TMDB

Three Baltic countries-Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia-struggled for independence during the fall of communism in the 20th century.

The Constellation of Riflemen (1982)

The Constellation of Riflemen

1982•50m•★2.0TMDB

Latvian Red Riflemen share their experiences from World War I and the 1930s civil war, detailing their influence on Latvia's history and identity.

The Constellation of Riflemen

Mans zelts (2020)

Mans zelts

Latvian soldiers' contributions to military history are highlighted through key events like the Latvian War of Independence, featuring animation and archival materials.

Short Day (2014)

Short Day

Four residents of an old folks’ home on the Latvian border reflect on their lives shaped by the promises of the Soviet era.

Sarkanais un brūnais (1999)

Sarkanais un brūnais

Latvians fought under foreign flags on both sides during World War II, facing a conflict that offered them nothing to gain.

Sarkanais un brūnais

Reiz bija Sibīrija (2005)

Reiz bija Sibīrija

15,420 Latvian residents were deported to Siberia in 1941, including 4,000 children, with only 400 survivors now living in Latvia.

Reiz bija Sibīrija

Browse more by Sandijs Semjonovs

View all films →

Brainstorm: Between Shores (2015)

Brainstorm: Between Shores

2015

Dzimuši hokejam (2019)

Dzimuši hokejam

2019

Touched by the Ocean (2017)

Touched by the Ocean

2017

Leģenda Dinamo (2014)

Leģenda Dinamo

2014

Eight Full Moons (2011)

Eight Full Moons

2011

David and Goliath (2018)

David and Goliath

2018

Trapped by Borders (2020)

Trapped by Borders

2020

2018 (2019)

2018

2019

Is this your film?

If you made this film or hold the rights to it, we'd like to talk. We can license it and pay you a share of what it earns.

License it with us →