Sundance 2024

The documentary Porcelain War offers an intimate and sobering look into the lives of three Ukrainian artists who have chosen to remain in their homeland despite the looming threat of Russian forces. It juxtaposes the artists' dual roles as soldiers and creators, emphasizing the tension between war and the preservation of culture. The film explores not only their physical fight against an advancing army but also their artistic battle to protect the identity of a nation at risk of being erased.

Porcelain War fascinatingly blends war footage with scenes of artistic creation. One moment, we witness a harrowing drone strike—dropped directly into the hatch of a Russian tank in a chillingly precise shot—followed almost immediately by the serenity of a home, where one of the artists shares a quiet lunch with his wife before they return to their art studio. It's a decidedly surreal contrast. The documentary doesn't shy away from the jarring reality of how these men's lives shift from war-torn landscapes to the peaceful act of sculpting porcelain figurines that reflect the beauty of Ukraine's cultural heritage. The footage captures this reality with breathtaking clarity, leaving the viewer oscillating between awe and disbelief.

The documentary's emotional core is these artists' unwavering commitment to their craft. The idea that if they stop creating, their culture could be swallowed by the invasion brings an urgency to their work. It's not just a hobby or profession. The art itself is a form of resistance. This perspective transforms Porcelain War into more than a war documentary—it reflects the human need for art and self-expression, even in the darkest of times.

The documentary feels like a natural companion to 20 Days in Mariupol, which was nominated for an Oscar for its depiction of survival and resilience in the face of destruction. While 20 Days in Mariupol focuses on the larger-scale devastation wrought by war, Porcelain War zooms in on a profoundly personal, micro-level perspective. It captures the lives of these artists, illustrating that the fight for Ukraine's future extends beyond military strategy—it's a fight for cultural survival as well.

It's hard to truly comprehend what it must feel like to shift from drone strikes to delicate brushstrokes, but Porcelain War gives us a glimpse of this extraordinary experience. Fascinating and deeply moving, this documentary is a poignant and compelling watch.

— 3.5 / 5 ⭐