Watch Donbass

Donbass is a highly acclaimed, highly anticipated Ukrainian film from 2018 that is both a poignant political commentary and a masterful piece of cinema. Directed by the highly respected filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa, the film takes place in the eponymous Donbass region of eastern Ukraine, which has been at the center of a bitter conflict between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.

The film is structured as a series of vignettes, each depicting a different incident or moment in the ongoing conflict. While the incidents themselves are fictional, they are based on the director's extensive research and first-hand s from the region, and they serve as a powerful and damning indictment of the senseless violence and political corruption that has ravaged the area.

The opening scene is a perfect illustration of the film's style and tone, as we see a group of people preparing for a wedding celebration, only to be interrupted by a sudden explosion that rips through the festivities. From there, we are taken on a harrowing journey through the streets and alleys of Donbass, encountering a cast of characters who are all struggling to survive and make sense of the chaos around them.

One of the most compelling aspects of Donbass is the film's unflinching portrayal of the complexities and contradictions of the conflict. On one hand, we see the horrific violence and abuse perpetrated by both sides, as civilians are caught in the crossfire and forced to endure unthinkable suffering. But on the other hand, we also see the deep-seated mistrust and resentment that has fueled the conflict, as well as the myriad political and economic interests that are lurching behind the scenes.

Throughout the film, Loznitsa uses a documentary-style approach that enhances the realism and immediacy of the story. We see long, static shots of people talking and moving through crowded spaces, interspersed with close-ups and quick cuts that underscore the intensity and violence of the situation. The cinematography is stark and unadorned, often highlighting the poverty and decay of the region, but it is also infused with moments of surreal beauty and dark humor.

The performances in Donbass are uniformly excellent, with a cast of mostly non-professional actors who bring a raw authenticity to their roles. Tamara Yatsenko and Irina Zayarmiuk are both standouts, playing women who are simultaneously strong and vulnerable, resourceful and hopeless, and who embody the resilience and humanity of the people of Donbass. Grigory Masliuk, as a self-proclaimed "patriotic volunteer," is similarly impressive, bringing a frightening intensity and zeal to his character.

Overall, Donbass is a powerful and important film that offers a searing critique of the political and social conditions that have led to the ongoing war in eastern Ukraine. But it is also a work of great artistry and craftsmanship, one that showcases the talents of its director, cast, and crew, and that will linger in the minds of its viewers long after the closing credits have rolled.