Porcelain War (2024) User Reviews

Beautiful, touching and inspiring! Artfully done.

[emiliaparr · 9/10 · 29 January 2024]

I had the pleasure of seeing this film premier at Sundance Film Festival this year. This story about 3 Ukrainian artists living in a war zone was eye opening, intense, inspiring and hopeful.

You really connect with the subjects of the film as you walk through their world with them (and their military unit and loved ones), hear their stories (both happy and sad), feel their hurt, and listen to their hopes.

The use of imagery and art to convey their story is beautifully done and so effective. The contrast of the war scenes with nature and art are incredibly well done and balanced. The music throughout is all Ukrainian, which immerses you even more. It is absolutely artfully filmed.

Artists as warriors

[donlynaa · 9/10 · 9 February 2024]

A beautifully made film of three artists and their families, interrupted when their lives are invaded by a neighboring country. The choices that they make to not only survive, but to fight for their country's citizens. And for all of mankind's freedoms. Even their sweet dog, Frodo becomes a star as he barks at the bombs and comfort his caregivers. This is a must see beautiful film that you won't regret seeing. Even though it's about war, and it's dreadful what is happening, it's not made to be too difficult to watch. It's really beautifully done!

I want more of Slava and Anya's art! More of Andrey's art and to see his family together again, forever.

I'd give it a 10 if I didn't have to read subtitles. But that's just me.

Amazing documentary!

[Sybiraczka55 · 10/10 · 29 January 2024]

I was at the premiere of this amazing documentary. There was not a dry eye in the audience, with the film's subjects and its creators receiving a heartfelt, long-standing ovation after the screening.

"Porcelain War" stands out as a unique, cinematic piece that skillfully narrates the captivating journey of three artists amidst the backdrop of a war-torn country. It serves as a poignant testament to the struggles faced by "ordinary people under extraordinary circumstances" as one of the artists says.

This powerful film serves as a reminder of the significance of preserving our humanity and identity, even under the most dire conditions. It evokes empathy for those compelled to defend these fundamental values often taken for granted.

As an added bonus to the film's message, I enjoyed the amazing shots of nature and beautiful music.

I am deeply touched by this film!

Pure strike

[mail-evagrin · 10/10 · 31 January 2024]

It is worth a dear lot staying clear and pure in times like these.

People creating magnificent art of tender porcelain under bombs do not only create paradox - they demonstrate us that the paradox is quite possible if one gets out of his own small box and looks outside.

It turns out people still try to live their lives even being in grave daily danger, people still open their hearts to harmony and poetry of form and color.

The world is full of darkness and atrocities but yet it is a place of genuine beauty and remarkable resilience.

I dearly wish Slava and Anya as well as other Ukrainians overcome this wave of unspeakable blackness and their art will shine with even more colors.

The figurines are such a perfect manifestation of human spirit.

Thank you for capturing this on screen!

Beautiful visually looking documentary with a little unfocused approach

[chenp-54708 · 6/10 · 28 January 2024]

Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.

This documentary is pretty interesting as it explores the themes of the works of art, beauty of culture and nature, and the troubled conflicts between Ukraine and Russia. The filmmakers were able to capture the beauty and ugliness of the situation of war, politics, art, and humanity as many of the camerawork was able to show the great visual landscapes of Ukraine and the ugly parts of war with strong presentation, animation, and good sound designs throughout.

Due to the subject and the sensitivity, it does provide some interesting conversations and themes to explore. Which is one of it's faults because while the documentary was engaging, some of the structure feels a little unfocused on what the filmmakers are really wanting to tell or how to approach. Some of the editing choices were a little rough and certain interview discussions felt underwhelming and lacked the impact it thinks it's offering.

There are some themes and aspects I did wish was approached better because having seen other war documentaries about the Russia and Ukraine conflict, it does offer some themes that weren't new and did made certain aspects slow.

But undeniably, the filmmakers have a passion and I understand what point of view they are coming from. Overall, solid watch.