A One Mann’s Movies review of “Porcelain War” (2024).
As I desperately claw my way towards the end of the Oscar-nominated documentaries, we reach the subject of Ukraine for the first time. “Porcelain War” looks at artists in Ukraine through the terrors of the last few years.
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
“Porcelain War” Summary:
Slava, Anya, and Andrey are three Ukranian artists still trying to practice their art amid the destruction and terror of the Russian attack on Kharkiv. Plus, there’s a cute dog called Frodo.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Strong language”.)
Talent:
Directed by: Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev.
Written by: Aniela Sidorska, Brendan Bellomo, Paula DuPré Pesmen & Slava Leontyev.
Running Time: 1h 27m.
“Porcelain War” Summary:
Positives:
- Gripping, edge of your seat footage from the front line of the war.
- Beautiful animation of Anya’s paintings upon the pottery.
- Some lovely cinematography by Andrey Stefanov.
Negatives:
- The combination of the art and the war didn’t particularly gel for me… but then I’m not a great appreciator of ceramic art.
Review of “Porcelain War”:
Art amongst the terror.
This documentary has noble ambitions, in portraying some of the fighting soldiers in the reports you see on TV as living, breathing and downright ordinary human beings. The fact that the principals focused on are artists was a little bit ‘neither hear nor there’ for me.
War-front footage.
Where the documentary came to life for me was in following the “Saigon” troop through their dangerous missions on the front line. Through the body-worn cameras, we see one particularly brave commander of the unit, Katya, who puts her own life in danger to help a bunch of wounded infantrymen.
We are introduced to the members of the Saigon troupe one by one… almost in the style of the opening of a war-film like “The Dirty Dozen”. But then we don’t really experience much of each individual’s own war. Frankly, I could have done with less of the artsy footage and much more footage from this tight-knit unit of capable soldiers.
Beautifully shot.
With that being said, all of the (highly contrasting) shots of the Ukranian countryside are all beautifully shot by Andrey Stefanov. Also, as we zoom into Anya’s incredible artwork on the ceramics, the paintings start to animate to tell the story of a part of the war and its impact on the citizens. The artwork is amazing; the animation of the artwork is amazing too.
Summary Thoughts on “Porcelain War”
You can’t help but be moved by the courage and tenacity of the Ukranian people and particularly of their armed forces, who have been punching well above their weight for too many years now. I’m writing this on the evening that President Trump and President Zelensky had a blazing row on live TV in the Oval office. So, I’m feeling quite downhearted and I can’t fathom how depressed the forces in Ukraine are at this moment. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
So, “Porcelain War” was an interesting insight into ordinary people and their relationship with the war. It wasn’t one of my favourite documentaries of the Oscar nominees… but it was still good.
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Porcelain War”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPxIHYUXeEk.
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