Review: Defending one’s homeland and the right to make art become common cause in ‘Porcelain War’

As a film enthusiast with a keen interest in stories of resilience and creativity, I found “Porcelain War” to be a profoundly moving and thought-provoking documentary. The stark contrast between the beauty of nature and the harsh realities of war, as portrayed by Slava Leontyev and Anya Stasenko, resonated deeply with me. Their dedication to their art amidst the chaos of war is an inspiring testament to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and endure.

In a unique perspective, guns, paintbrushes, and cameras serve as tools for defending one’s nation in the case of the artistically-inclined individuals portrayed in “Porcelain War,” an impactful and moving documentary by American director Brendan Bellomo and Ukrainian potter Slava Leontyev. This film captures their everyday lives, battles, and artistic pursuits amidst ongoing hostilities.

The acclaimed Sundance film has become even more relevant today, not just due to Ukraine’s significant shift in power but also as a means to recall how culture can serve as a resilient pulse against the world’s most ominous powers. The contrast between the setting could hardly be starker, with Slava and his wife Anya Stasenko creating porcelain artifacts mere miles from the destruction caused by Russia’s bombing of Kharkiv. Delicately crafted and meticulously polished, Slava’s figurines – such as a snail, an owl, or a diminutive dragon – are then intricately painted by Anya with exquisite detail, capturing minute landscapes within the molded forms.

However, due to his country being invaded, Slava is part of a special forces group made up of Ukrainian civilians – ranging from doctors to farmers – who have been forced to learn warfare skills such as handling guns and drones. This stark contrast between beauty and survival is what motivated Bellomo, a friend from California, to bring in cameras, allowing Slava and a family friend to document their incredibly creative lives amid the danger of annihilation. Leaving, according to Anya, would be like discarding one’s own shadow. Yet, staying brings with it the constant fear of danger lurking nearby.

The result is a fascinating portrait about holding the line, in which the territory is as much a collective state of mind as an encroached-upon sovereignty. There’s a reason for the text at the beginning letting us know that nearly everything we see in “Porcelain War” was filmed by its subjects, because knowing who’s behind the camera allows us to absorb the images as a willful counterbalance to despair: light bathing a meadow teeming with life, how couples banter with a few drinks in them, the pair’s adorable canine companion, Frodo. The new-toy innocence of these first-time cinematographers is, in some ways, an ideal symbol for the spiritual reinforcement they get from prioritizing their art.

Even though devastation tableaus capture our gaze, it’s not so much war as a spectacle, but rather a grotesque mirror image of creation. However, when we transition to images of Slava’s close-knit team safeguarding territories and deploying explosives from drones adorned with colorful paint, it feels like being part of a group that transcends ordinary soldiers. The idea of the “citizen soldier,” a role they carry proudly while maintaining focus and determination, has never felt more relevant than in the portrayal by the co-directors of “Porcelain War.

In “Porcelain War,” there are delicate touches that in other films might have appeared too ornate, but here they fit perfectly – such as the exquisite animation of Anya’s artwork on their figurines, bringing them to life as if these tiny masterpieces aren’t just canvases, but gateways to experiences that never cease to evolve. This sacred intersection of myth and reality is also brilliantly captured by the film’s electrifying, potent score, a captivating blend of Ukrainian neo-folk group DakhaBrakha’s empowering music. It’s as if this music originates from the earth, pulsating through your very bones, growing stronger with every note played. As a fan, I can truly say that this film is an exceptional journey into the depths of imagination and reality.

The ‘Porcelain War’ recognizes the power of art; it can serve not only as a protective barrier but also as a guiding light. Artists with depth like Slava and Anya are aware that it is significant and valuable enough to fight for its preservation.

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2024-11-28 02:01