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Firebird (2021)

2021 • 1h 47m • Drama, Romance • R
On September 20, 2026
#124201956
12420th by attention movie online
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CinemaSerf on Firebird

7/10 · Jun 5, 2022

Sergey, played by Tom Prior, is a young soldier in the Soviet army stationed in Estonia. With his military service nearing its end, he's assigned to care for newly arrived pilot Lt. Matvejev, portrayed by Oleg Zagorodnii. Initially distant from one another, they find common ground through their shared interest in photography and vodka. A romantic connection develops between them, placing the pair on a precarious path; not only do they risk imprisonment in a labor camp—potentially for five years—but their careers could also be ruined because of their relationship. Fortunately, their association with the colonel's assistant Luisa (Diana Pozharskaya delivers a restrained but impactful performance) helps to divert the attention of the suspicious KGB major Zverev (Margus Prangel), but ultimately they must take steps to protect themselves. This leads to Sergey leaving for Moscow to pursue an acting career while Matvejev remains and marries Luisa. The two men find it impossible to forget their intense connection, and soon Matvejev is involved in a mission that brings them back together. His wife and child’s arrival creates a crisis, tragically leading to devastating consequences for everyone involved. While the story is based on real events, its themes resonate beyond the Communist era, mirroring situations in other countries where same-sex relationships or military personnel who are gay were prohibited. Director Peeter Rebane effectively establishes an unsettling atmosphere of danger at the beginning of the film. The audience genuinely feels concern for the two men as they explore their emotions and ultimately fall in love. Prior’s performance is reminiscent of Jonas Nay from "Deutschland 83" (2016), although his physique occasionally seems disproportionate to his head; he maintains his accent reasonably well and conveys a palpable sense of affection for his friend, which is reciprocated with sincerity, albeit expressed in a practical manner. The film moves along at a good pace, features an appropriate musical score, and incorporates some compelling dialogue. Ultimately, it’s about two men showing how to experience love during dangerous times. While the (limited) intimate scenes involve two men, it's fundamentally a story about love—the connection between the two men and Luisa—and survival, making it a worthwhile viewing experience.

Source on TMDB

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