The Battle for Kyiv

It was an engaging experience. For me, not a light piece to watch. It brought forward the horrible fate of Ukrainian people and their lives in the hands of the brutal Russian invaders. Simultaneously, their courage and determination gives hope for survival and a brighter future. Definitely food for thought!

The time flew watching this. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who put themselves in such danger to get a message like this to the world. Right now, some politicians need a reminder of the shock of the sudden utter destruction of civilian existence, and this is a fitting tribute to the defenders of that existence.

Interesting to read down the existing reviews and observe two radically different points of view. On the one hand a couple of armchair experts evaluating the quality of the film making and a larger sample of others appreciating the storytelling from someone who was willing to put himself on the front line of a shockingly unjust and inhumane invasion to document its impact on the people under attack; to be the eyes and ears for those of us who are concerned but cannot see for ourselves. Obviously as only one person in a rapidly changing scenario there are only so many places those eyes and ears can be. The grotesque events in Borodiyanka, Bucha and Irpin are burned into the hearts of the people of Kyiv and every record of those days is an immensely important record of the crimes against humanity committed again their citizens; especially since Ukraine has made it a priority to quickly restore the living environment in those places for the quality of life of its citizens.

As one of the later type of reviewers , I appreciate the effort especially given that nobody at the time knew what circumstances the defenders would be facing from one day to the next. The film maker put himself alongside local people finding creative ways and taking serious risks to support their neighbours. Demonstrating the values that Ukraine is defending is another great communication as to why decent people the world over should be defending the Ukrainian people and supporting them every way we can against their despotic attackers. Encouraging the distribution of this film with positive reviews is a small but worthwhile way that the armchair critics are too self absorbed to be able to see. Shame on them and thanks for the makers.

The documentary gives a very good depiction of the stupor that grapples Kyiv right at the moment of the invasion and how some civilians start considering how to resist. There are some heart stopping moments when the filmmaker tries to get as close as possible to the frontline. A fair part of the film is dedicated to the attacks and atrocities on civilians in Bucha or Irpin.

However the film doesn't go very deep into the tactical situation on the ground. Somebody looking for in-depth information about military battles might find it lacking in that respect. For example I don't think maps are shown during the film that would help understand how Ukranian and Russian forces face each other. I would have liked for example to learn more about the Hostomel battle which seemed decisive.

I had the privilege of watching The Battle for Kyiv at the Portland Film Festival screening Oct 29, 2024, and it left a profound impact on me.

The documentary captures a crucial moment at the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, where the nation's fate rested on the courage of ordinary Ukrainians defending their country, their sovereignty, and their very existence.

Through Oz Katerji's powerful, firsthand reporting, the film offers an up-close look at the resilience and courage of those on the front lines, bringing this struggle to life with a depth and intimacy that resonates deeply. I am grateful for Oz's dedication in sharing this essential story with the world.