Firebird

Name: Firebird
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: April 29, 2022
Duration: 107 min
Rating: 49
Cast: Diana Pozharskaya, Ester Kuntu, Jake Henderson, Kaspar Velberg, Margus Prangel

2022

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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7.2

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7.2	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 13 Ratings

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Firebird

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Movie Details & Credits

Roadside Attractions | Release Date: April 29, 2022 | R

Starring: Diana Pozharskaya, Ester Kuntu, Jake Henderson, Kaspar Velberg, Margus Prangel, Nicholas Woodeson, Oleg Zagorodnii, Rasmus Kaljujärv, Sergei Lavrentyev, Tom Prior

Summary: Based on a true story during the Cold War, Firebird is a passionate love story set against the backdrop of a Soviet Air Force base in Estonia during late 1970’s Communist rule. Sergey (Tom Prior), a soulful, young soldier who dreams of becoming an actor in Moscow, is counting the days until his military service ends. His life turned upsideBased on a true story during the Cold War, Firebird is a passionate love story set against the backdrop of a Soviet Air Force base in Estonia during late 1970’s Communist rule. Sergey (Tom Prior), a soulful, young soldier who dreams of becoming an actor in Moscow, is counting the days until his military service ends. His life turned upside down when he locks eyes with Roman (Oleg Zagorodnii), a sexy, enigmatic ace fighter pilot newly assigned to his base. Driven by their undeniable attraction, Sergey and Roman navigate the precarious line between love and friendship at a time when Soviet men in uniform caught having a sexual affair was met with the severest punishment. As their friendship grows into love, the men risk their freedom and their lives to be together in the face of an all-seeing Soviet regime.… Expand

Director: Peeter Rebane

Genre(s): Drama, Romance

Rating: R

Runtime: 107 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

RogerEbert.com Nell Minow

Apr 29, 2022

This film is a bittersweet love story about characters burdened by oppression, but the theme of liberation is as palpable as the sense of loss. Read full review

Gary Goldstein

Apr 29, 2022

Director Peeter Rebane and his co-writer (and star), Tom Prior (they also produced), have created a compelling, tender, tragic, occasionally melodramatic look at forbidden love and desire. Read full review

IndieWire Jude Dry

Apr 29, 2022

Prior and Zagorodnii are both so watchable, and their chemistry so electric, that it’s easy to get swept away in their romance. Historical accuracy be damned. Read full review

Mark Keizer

Apr 27, 2022

Prior and Zagorodnii have a fair amount of chemistry, although both are so Fashion Week gorgeous that it edges Firebird near soft-core territory. Read full review

Sheri Linden

Apr 29, 2022

There’s so much potential heart and heartbreak in Firebird’s tale of forbidden passion that the screenplay and the cautious pacing become frustrating; with every ache measured and spelled out, the film’s dogged striving for poetry too often leaves it feeling disappointingly prosaic. Read full review

Dan Callahan

Apr 29, 2022

Unfortunately, the second half of Firebird is far less involving than the first. Read full review

The Playlist Oliver Weir

May 21, 2022

Prior and Zagorodnii are at their best in casual conversation, either exchanging sheepish glances or knowing pleasantries under the base’s Big Brother-ish nose. But as soon as things get serious or even faintly sentimental, they talk like the guys in the movies. Read full review

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User Reviews

DavisS

Aug 21, 2022

Tears were streaming after the ending of this movie. It was emotional, raw and so moving. Truly a poignant body of work. The chemistry amongst the actors, the cinematography, scenery, screenplay, the plot itself, everything was flawless. Wish it was a bit more lengthy.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

wiggy_

Aug 9, 2022

Consists of excellent acting and I believe they had good chemistry. Although the story was weak in the odd area I believe overall this film is amazing and I’m glad I had the opportunity to watch it.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

Thorgal

Dec 4, 2022

Great movie. Amazing story. Unique insight in The Sovjets in that time. Brought with very good taste.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

DannyAT

Apr 29, 2022

Well acted and insightful look into treatment of gay s in old Soviet Union.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

jadonut

Apr 30, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Despite Tom Prior's beautifully tender portrayal of his character, the film feels largely underwhelming. Perhaps it's due to "Gay period tragedy" fatigue, or maybe even the fact that a few scenes are carbon copies of those from Broke Back Mountain; Protagonist receives news of lover's death in phone booth, wife uncovers proof of affair as husband is packing for trip, protagonist confronts wife after death of ex-lover, etc, etc). And I had high hopes for this given the bizarre timing of its release, a reminder of how little has changed between pre and post-Cold War Russia (although its military seemed slightly more competent in the 70's...) There were several scenes where I wanted the writing to go further and be more explosive, but the film often felt held back. The largest example being when Sergey did visit Luisa after Roman's death. One exception of this, I feel, is the cloaked (hardly) confession at the New Years Even dinner. It was shocking and left the theater audience in a very satisfyingly collective gasp. I also couldn't help but think to myself how cruel Sergey & Roman were to play Luisa like a marionette, knowingly fiddling with her doe-eyed emotions in tandem, particularly while they were on leave in the town together. Otherwise, the way theater and prose had played a role in Sergey's motivations was powerful and appreciated. I can only imagine how much more fully the book had explored these conflicting thoughts, and how much better it navigated this long timeline. Also, yes, their bodies were a little too Abercrombie and Fitch to be believable as Cold-War era soviet soldiers...beautiful but took me outside the fantasy. Maybe someday we will get to the point where these type of builds will be deemed anachronistic to the period that is attempting to be portrayed. In conclusion: I wanted to cry, and got close, but simply couldn't. Tom Prior, however, was magnificent.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

TVJerry

May 5, 2022

This is based on a true story of 2 men who fell in love while serving in the Soviet Army during the Cold War. If discovered, their relationship could result in 5 years of hard labor, so keeping their secret was crucial. The narrative extends beyond their military days, as they grow inThis is based on a true story of 2 men who fell in love while serving in the Soviet Army during the Cold War. If discovered, their relationship could result in 5 years of hard labor, so keeping their secret was crucial. The narrative extends beyond their military days, as they grow in different directions, while remaining painfully in love. The 2 actors make their attraction feel real and become even more powerful as their situations become more complex. This film hits all the right targets for a story like this in a relatively straightforward manner. The attractive cast and able direction bolster its appeal.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

night4

Dec 1, 2022

Tom Prior is a 9, everything and everyone else is a 4, so... 6.5 overall. It's such a shame that the other actors and the writing are so forgettable and unoriginal. Without Tom, this would be a complete disaster.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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