Porcelain War

One does not normally attend wartime documentary films with joyful anticipation, but this film has been so well designed and produced that you go for the sake of the art while possibly dreading the war part. No need to be anxious, because, In fact, both aspects are so beautifully filmed and well integrated that the war -- with all its closeup and graphic action -- is not offputting. Instead, the balance is just right and the message is unmistakable. Huge kudos to Dakha Brakha for enhancing the entire soundtrack with their powerful, inimitable gorgeous sound. Last but not least, as a professional translator I can say that the subtitles are flawless.

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.

A beautifully shot film exploring spaces of beauty within the confines of destruction. A story of love and art and survival. Anya's artwork is magical and magnificent, as is the cinematography. The natural beauty throughout Ukraine is stunning.

I pray Ukraine wins this war, but they have lost so much already. So tragic what the ego of men inflict upon the human condition. It made me realize my normal life could change at any moment. The WSJ did a feature on one of the cities they highlight in the film, Bakhmut, it's worth a look.

I hope all the people in this film will go on to live their regular lives very very soon.

Beautiful and meaningful. It gave me a glimpse of what it would be like to be in a war zone. I usually can't watch films about war because of my PTSD, but this one was different. It contained such beautiful art, and many scenes of being out in nature. The cinematography was amazing. This film shows civilians becoming soldiers, not by choice but by necessity..... in order to protect their homes and families. I loved all the subjects that were in the film, including the cute little dog. It made me wonder what I would do in the same situation, and thankful that I will most likely never have to know what my personal choice would be.

I saw this film for the first time at its premiere at Sundance Film Festival 2024 and was very impressed. The sound, cinematography, editing, color grading are all fantastic. Slava Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo are both gifted storytellers. You really get to know each of the film's subjects. In a world full of depressing hopeless documentaries, this film really focuses on the idea of hope amid destruction, and it does not deviate from that message even during moments of wartime. Although war-torn Ukraine is well documented at this point, stories of its ordinary citizens, especially artists and those trying to put beauty back into the world, are not.