Occasionally a film gets made that unwittingly becomes iconic for the time and place it’s created.
Set in the Russian occupied Ukraine of 1977, makes FIREBIRD just such a film. Directed by Estonian writer/director, Peeter Rebane, FIREBIRD is based upon a book written by Sergey Fetisov, detailing a 3-way love story between a Russian Private, Sergey, serving out his national service until he can become an actor, dynamic, charismatic fighter pilot Roman, and Luisa, a lovely girl who becomes very close to both and caught in the middle.
Although billed as a love story, FIREBIRD is also very much about the freedom to love whom we chose, and the sad consequences that ensue when society and the world restricts this. Sadly, this is a story that still rings true even more since Putin took over in Russia. Same sex relationships are still vetoed and punishable, and of course the Ukraine is still fighting for its right to exist outside Russia.
Although FIREBIRD was shot just before the 2020 lockdown, the film, like many independents, had a protracted post-production due to Covid disruption, and was originally destined for release a while ago. However, during that time, Putin invaded Ukraine. Indeed, one of the actors, talented and magnetic Ukrainian, Oleg Zagorodnil, who plays Roman, is still there, trapped by the same oppressive back drop that FIREBIRD looks at. However gloomy, ‘history repeating itself’, may sound, fate seems to have singled out FIREBIRD to be a bright torch. Hopefully it will light the way to freedom for all those whom society, politics or dogma has forbidden to love, whatever rigid prejudice, cultural, social, sexual or gender, has been quoted as the reason.
With the character of Sergey passionately acted by British rising talent, Tom Prior, (who also writes and produces) and the very difficult role of Luisa played beautifully by Russian actress Diana Pozharskaya, FIREBIRD’s script crackles with naturalistic fire, feels real and delivers the story succinctly and sensitively. Peeter Rebane’s direction is very good, and all of the cast and crew are pulling together. FIREBIRD also makes great use of its modest budget extremely well, and shines as a great example of what modern digital technology and effects can create. Where used, the FX are very good, and the cinematography is lovely. The settings of a Soviet Airbase and 1970’/80’s Moscow are created well, and although lacking some of the production values of a massive budget film, FIREBIRD still comes across as realistic and punches well above its budget weight in many ways. On major release this week end across the UK, this is a film that so many will see for political and social reasons, but will also really enjoy for its dramatic and visual merits.
https://www.myvue.com/film/firebird
Reviewed by fellow writer/director, Jane A. Foster, who believes in championing independent films and stories from everywhere. janecreates@23-films.com
