Tonally, it's kind of all over the place. But what it lacks in cohesion, it makes up in charm and intrigue.

Sundance 2024
A trio of artists remain in Ukraine despite advancing Russian forces. They answer their call to take up arms and simultaneously produce art that highlights the beauty of their homeland. Compelled to continue to create because the alternative would almost certainly result in cultural erasure. This would be a compelling companion piece to the Oscar nominated doc 20 Days in Mariupol. Fascinating watch. One minute you’re fighting a war, dropping drone strikes directly into the hatch of a Russian Tank (incredible footage btw), then you drive home where your wife has made you lunch and you paint porcelain sculptures together. It’s hard to truly comprehend what that experience would actually feel like. 

Bacon Number Unknown

that drone-bomb snipe was actually insane. 

Porcelain War is a great documentary that crosses between the tragic, cruel nature of an aggressive and unfair war with the beauty, artistry and craftsmanship that proves Ukraines resilience and inseparable hope. 

The visuals are really stunning and very impressive considering the ‘amateur’ Andrey Stefanov who felt inclined to start once the war started. overall a super charming film that brings a very creative and inspiring perspective on the Ukraine war, showcasing the natural talent and skill of ordinary Ukrainians. if you want to bask in the glory of Ukraine’s sunlight and environment, and immerse yourself into some extremely engaging warfare…please watch Porcelain War!!


(also this was my first film in a music-box theater and it was so cool!! seeing The Brutalist exclusive premiere there next week so I’m HYPED!)

ukraine is another country that deserves visibility in its struggles. thousands of innocent people die because of the russians, people who have nothing to do with the war

"The stories we tell through art, they are also our resistance. This is how we avoid erasure. We don't only fight back with weapons, we use art to fight back."

The contrast of this beautiful art, the warmth of nature, and the horrendous reality of war is deeply upsetting. And yet life goes on. It has to. Even when artists have to become soldiers.

On a filmmaking level, I thought the way this was approached was beautifully done, and I really appreciated how they incorporated animation. Some really well-edited sequences too, next to tender, personal moments. On a personal level I'm always in awe of the strength and bravery of my people.

Fuck Putin.
RUSSIA IS A TERRORIST STATE

PORCELAIN WAR captures striking frontline footage of the Ukrainian conflict, powerfully illustrating citizens' resilience, accompanied by soothing cultural music & beautiful animation. Yet, its limited scope & forced sentimentality might not resonate with everyone.

too much war not enough porcelain

If, as Stefanov says early in the film, Russia’s targeting of those who make culture, the writers and artists and teachers and musicians, is how they plan to destroy Ukraine, what happens when those very people are made to give up their work and become soldiers? What effect does that have on them psychologically? What effect does it have on the culture? These questions are left unasked in favor of broad, ponderous statements about good versus evil.

While Sefanov may be too close to the material to ask these hard questions, his co-director Bellomo should have had the required distance to not just compile footage, but contemplate what it all means. To try and find the balance between the violence and the art. As it stands, instead “Porcelain War” itself is its own unique horror of war.

[Read my full review at IndieWire]

Sundance 2024 #8

Begins with a striking series of images, the most notable of which is an artist’s hands constructing intricate porcelain creatures cutting to the same hands loading a magazine. There’s a confidence in Porcelain War’s earliest moments that seems to fade away throughout the runtime. Lots of surface level commentary that seems unable, or perhaps unwilling, to dig deeper. Really enjoyed the moments where the artwork on the porcelain creatures was animated, lovely work with that aspect.

“Because if one doesn’t resist evil, it doesn’t stop. It will keep pushing until it reaches you.”

Showcases what art can do, how it can help the healing process, how it can help you clear your mind during the worst times of your life. I appreciate the attempt they went for in here but I can’t help but to think that the structure of this is messy. First half tells you how important art is and it focuses on the porcelain aspects but the second half falls into the cliché war documentary. Still respect everyone involved and this whole war is absurd, my heart goes out to everyone that’s been affected and the film did somewhat hit me in a touching and heartfelt manner. Beautiful filmmaking all around and each shot of Ukraine is stunning. Warm, talented and caring families keep dying everyday. If we don’t stop evil, it will continue.