Rocky Road to Berlin

I hope you would not watch this movie and save both your time and positive image of Ukraine, and one of its prominent talents in particular. I'd like to praise its soundtrack score, as modern musicians have shown their abilities the best, out of cheap budget, horrendous acting and disgusting writing they've managed to pull a few bearable tributes to "Skryabin" (not Ukrainian classic composer, but 90s synthy-pop band). The latter, being first goth scene success after restoration of independence has gained cult status and following of various degree of influence on mine and other generations of Ukrainians, which might explain suspiciously high rating so far. However, the writer of original book's personality is deserving a mention, as Andriy Kuzmenko has not just led the band as a singer, but also published more mature fiction and demonstrated versatile and impactful cultural creativity also as a TV-host, reality show participant, producer of successful and popular bands, etc. Together with Alexander Skryabin (yes, that's how their band got named), Andriy (nicknamed Kuzma after his last name) have fired the remaining founding members of their band and pivoted from alternative to pop music after recording a Manifesto song in early 2000s. After that, the band was earning riches and wider audience by spreading Russian propaganda against Maidan until the first days of war in 2014, when many Ukrainian artists have supported our Motherland and its Freedom fighters. The band Skryabin was replaced by Kuzma touring with vehemently humorous and energetic anti-occupation message, and have died shortly in a car crash while returning from a volunteer trip from the frontline. This has cleared his name and earned him a monument erected in heart of Lviv (capital of his native region). Thus, I guess, the fate of government grant for movie was sealed. However, in addition to above mentioned flows, the easy reading teenage road story selected has suffered plot changed potentially to worse. For example, the mafia, encountered at the Ukrainian border in the book meet their demise, while movie leaves this adventure unfinished, or take the Marijuana smuggling - its recent legalization in Germany does not make the supporting character's actions acceptable to Ukrainian audience, etc.

"I, Victory and Berlin" is a film I anticipated more than any other. After missing the premiere, I waited eagerly for its release on streaming services. And so, on a beautiful September evening, I finally had the chance to watch it. I prepared everything necessary for the viewing, settled in comfortably, pressed "play"... and here's what I saw.

The film is certainly not a complete disaster, but it falls far short of my expectations. While the soundtrack, well-composed shots, and well-cast actors are worth noting, there are many drawbacks. The script turned out to be a mess. The book, on which the film was based, was perfect in its own right, and changing the already completed script turned out to be a poor decision. The main character, Skryabin, was turned into a foolish idiot, which feels out of place and undermines the depth of the character. Some of the writers found it amusing and appropriate to include a series of clumsy jokes about other nations, despite our criticism of similar practices in Russian cinema.

The film tries to play on the emotions of fans, but that's clearly not enough. As a result, it comes off as very raw and underdeveloped. Only the acting (excluding the lead actor), musical accompaniment, and cinematography merit a 5 out of 10 rating. I add 2 extra points for the fact that the film was eventually released. Unfortunately, even that doesn't change the overall impression: I wouldn't watch it again.

"As for me, I can only forgive a genius for a poorly constructed poem, and even then not always. Ukrainian poets should be banned for some time from writing national-patriotic poems, then, perhaps, they would rather learn versification, forced to do so by lyrics and translations, and now they rely most on the patriotism of their readers, and not on their own rhyme and measure ." Lesya Ukrainka

The creators of this movie also hoped for patriotism and national love for Scriabin. A high-quality picture and flat humor are two pillars on which this film was supposed to stand. Instead it staggered, fell, rose and fell again, creaked and screeched like that old car, spewing illogical details, rusty cliche jokes and inappropriate campiness in the face of a gullible viewer. Lowering my expectations in advance, I expected at least a small effort to explore the whimsical bardic nature of Scriabin's genius, but I received a complete misunderstanding of his phenomenon, a complete failure to fall into the obvious archetypes that made up his world. As they say, if you don't know how to make something well, don't do it at all.

Kuzma looks like a brainless schoolboy, a character development is nowhere to be found. As a result, the vinaigrette turned out to be vinaigrette, at most only to be watched once and then with a stretch

Yes, I can also read Russian cinema's influence in this attempt of a film. These sleazy jokes about the Poles, the Germans are shown as some kind of latex fascists, the Turks are also stereotyped.

With Skriabin's popularity and his masterful book filled with wit and humor, the creators of this movie had trump cards in their hands ALREADY. No need to invent a bicycle. But they managed to make it as boring and distasteful as they could, Skriabin persona was used for their marketing purposes.

From pluses: I see good cinematography even though camera work from time to time looked like advertisement in tv. I also see potential in young actors. Styling was pretty good too, even though a bit cliche.

The film is a masterpiece full of music and humour. I'd like to highlight the brilliant cinematography. I've been astonished the Ukrainians managed to release a film of such high quality during the war. Not every Hollywood movie can compete with this work of art.

The songs, well known to every Ukrainian and friend of Ukraine, create a special atmosphere, although they sound in a new performance.

What choice will the main character make? The film keeps the intrigue from the beginning to the very end. And the audience, holding their breath, cheers for him to choose himself.

I watched the film in a cinema in Kyiv and not a single audience member got up and left until the final credits rolled. Why? Watch the film for yourself and find out.

"Rocky Road to Berlin" is an exceptional film that does more than just tell a story; it transports us into the life and essence of Kuzma Skrabin with astounding accuracy. The filmmakers have taken great care in bringing the book to life on screen, ensuring every detail, from the character portrayal to the narrative pacing, aligns perfectly with the original material. The dedication to authenticity is evident throughout the movie, making it a profound experience for viewers familiar with Skrabin's work and life.

Beyond the accurate depiction of Skrabin's character, the film captures the 90s vibe in a way that's nothing short of amazing. The attention to period-specific details, from the costume design to the soundtrack, not only enriches the narrative but also serves as a nostalgic trip for anyone who holds a fondness for that era.

"Rocky Road to Berlin" is a cinematic gem that deserves more than just a watch; it's a must-see movie that demands to be experienced. Whether you're a fan of Kuzma Skrabin, a lover of biographical films, or someone who appreciates the immersive experience of 90s culture, this movie will not disappoint. A rare blend of historical accuracy and captivating storytelling, this film is a testament to the power of cinema to preserve and celebrate our cultural heroes.