February 24, 2022 was a day that shook the world to its very core. Russian forces had invaded Ukraine. They have been consistently referred to as the largest act of aggression by one country against another in Europe since World War II. But perhaps the most shocking thing about this attack was not how long it took them or what they did once there – but when and where it started: on March 4th, less than a week after their initial incursion into Ukrainian territory began, Vladimir Putin’s army launched an atrocious assault on Bucha; during which nearly five hundred people were killed in series of war crimes known as “the Bucha massacre”.
In late March, the Russian offensive was forced to retreat from that city by defensive forces – but such an experience must never be forgotten. The Armed Forces of Ukraine were not alone in their defence of Bucha; some individuals risked everything every single day to safely evacuate trapped Ukrainian civilians from these dangerous zones. Bringing awareness about these desperate times during Russia’s attack on Ukraine overall though director Stanislav Tiunov has decided to focus his new film titled ‘Bucha’ around one hero among them.
The first narrative feature shot in Ukraine since the invasion began; Tiunov’s movie tells Kazakhstan Konstantin (played by Polish actor Cezary Lukaszewicz) – or rather, Bucha’s – story. Contextual information which plays into this context rapidly being given away is that Gudauskas won asylum in Ukraine many years ago but he then received unlimited access between both countries whenever he pleased too.
During a time when people were desperate for anything resembling hope; so-called angels of salvation were said to have walked among us all like ordinary men. One such angel transported over two hundred souls out from behind enemy lines back into safety with nothing more than his compassion and a smile. If you think about it though -even without any war involved- telling someone’s story who saved many lives alone out of such dangerous situations already sounds like an incredible biographical drama; however this film is about war; and wars are traumatic events.
With that in mind it’s worth noting that whilst being a heartfelt tribute to heroism during difficult times also contains some very disturbing scenes indeed mostly off camera, allowing us instead see how people deal psychologically with aftermaths.
However, although Lukaszewiscz’s Konstantin does go through motions becoming brave inspirational hero character during course of movie but only ends up haunted by horrors merciless warfare which had shadowed him from beginning till end. The entire experience (however delivered) leaves one feeling like they’ve just had their soul dragged over shards of glass – there is no sugar coating here – Bucha is harrowing stuff but each event serves as a stepping stone towards next suspenseful set piece
Many of these sequences were orchestrated by Russian military leader Strelnikov played by Vyacheslav Dovzhenko -a truly terrifying opponent if ever there was any- whose only aim seems be make sure nothing goes wrong with invasion and will stop at nothing until achieved. His portrayal does not fall into trap turning into cartoonish evil caricature bad guy either because realistically speaking between them two different motivations ideals acting styles so it’s always interesting waiting for confrontation happen
According to some, it is too early in the game for a movie like Bucha. Ukraine has been at war with Russia for more than two years now – fighting tooth and nail to defend itself from Russian invaders. But a film that touches hearts and minds about the origins of an ongoing violent conflict is politically and culturally priceless. True, sometimes this story veers out of Bucha technically speaking, and flirts with pure propaganda; but writer Oleksandr Shchur did his best to keep it real too.
Bucha does not hesitate in being brutally honest about what happened during the first few weeks after Russian forces crossed into Ukrainian territory during 2014’s Battle for Donetsk airport. Nor does it shy away from showing just how much blood was shed on both sides before residents were able to evacuate under constant artillery fire.
This film balances harsh realities against characters who never lose hope no matter what life throws at them – often serving as inspiration for those who have lost everything but their will to survive; which makes this not only one powerful picture but also potentially a great motivator towards supporting the war effort among people in wealthier countries.
But then again, Lukaszewiscz could have done better by Konstantin: even though adding biography elements into thriller BUCHA 2023 was necessary if he wanted viewers feel sorry more for Ukraine than any other side involved; still – there should be limits. And unfortunately we see very little development given over time towards making Konstantin more ‘human’ or relatable figure whom audiences can identify with beyond being just another soldier who died fighting alongside his comrades-in-arms against common enemy (or worse yet – them dying too).
We know from court records back home that before hostilities began Real Life Konstantin Gudauskas had somewhat of criminal reputation (although exact details remain unclear due absence police files); however none these things are shown within movie itself except brief opening sequence where we meet him for first time ever and then – poof! He’s gone forever. As result, what here represents an ‘angel’ archetype could have been anyone really; because every angel is same – one-dimensional character without any depth or complexity, who serves only as symbol martyrdom etc.
Still, despite all its flaws Bucha does succeed in putting spotlight on one very important moment during 2014-2015 when Russian-backed forces launched series largest-scale offensives since World War II (up until that point) against Ukrainian army positions around city while also telling tale about bravery shown by some ordinary people caught up amidst warzone.
