Starting in the Air Force base in Estonia, we meet young Sergey, private in the final weeks of his deployment looking forward to moving to Moscow to become an actor. His closest friend is Luisa, a typist who aspires to become a doctor and harbors secret feelings for Sergey. But things change with the arrival of very handsome and dapper Russian Flight Lieutenant Roman Medveyev. Roman shares Sergey’s love of photography and the arts. And before you know their professional relationship soon blossoms into friendship and in turn, romance. They have to keep the relationship hidden from everyone because of the laws but hostile eyes begin to catch wind of their affair. Someone reports that Roman is sleeping with another man. Forced to make a decision, he decides to break it off with Sergey, who soon leaves to pursue acting and marries Luisa. Over subsequent years, Sergey and Roman find their paths crossing unexpectedly and while their relationship is never allowed to exist openly, their love for one another can never be completely suppressed. Much of the remainder of the film details the precious moments that the two men are able to steal away. Luisa and Sergey continue to be friends just unaware of the reality. But when Sergey sees the family together and happy, he leaves them with a note and hence Luisa finds the truth. With a sad ending the film depicts a part of life of Sergey (the film is based on his memoirs) about his first and only true love.
Its a beautiful love story that I haven't seen in a while, especially since its a tragic one. The makers do a good job to emphasise the unwavering love between its two central characters while never losing sight of its inevitably tragic end. The way the relationship between Sergey and Roman start, feels a little convenient (given they are in a Air Force setting), but you know what they say, the gaydar works when it works. Their scenes together are romantic and beautiful which make you go aww. Also you fear for them because part of you , as an audience, knows that this is not going to end well for them. The title of the film comes from the ballet 'Firebird' that Roman takes Sergey to see during their courtship. The film truly belongs to the actor playing the role of Sergey. Not only is he almost perfectly handsome, his transition from the youthful private to the hardened and heartbroken young man is proof that this man is a gifted actor. You feel his love, his heartbreak as if you feel it yourself. Roman's character was done alright too. The actor was really good. You can empathize (if not agree) for his actions, because remember we are talking of very very different times here. Luisa here, is the one who gets a raw deal, both as a character and the way her role was fleshed out. An wife, a friend and a mother, who is eventually left to suffer the collateral damage of this love story. The ending of the film shook me but I don't think you could have expected anything else. The second half when it shoots to Moscow goes a bit haywire and is not as engaging as first half, but I still quite enjoyed it. I was curious to see how their relationship would eventually evolve. I would have loved to see more of Sergey's relationship , if he had any, with one of his acting friends, who seemed to have more than a casual interest in him.
Firebird has handsome, full-bodied production values, and never appears cheap or compromised. Given that its a true story, it remains very moving and touching and remains remains an affecting portrait of a forbidden love. A final image of an eternally vigilant Soviet official confirms that little has changed for gay men in Russia who risk everything in the name of love. (8.5/10)
Comments
@Miisu: as far as I can remember , yes this is the only Estonian gay film I have seen. Do you have any more recommendations for me?
Loved the story, the locations, symbols (OMG, the crack in the stucco and the heavy rain!), and the most Estonian feature in films - EYES all over the screen... Very few things leave ME speechless, but this film managed to knock me breathless. Even when I knew that the ending is going to be sad and managed to prepare myself a little, it was... those letters... When Roman felt the pressure to choose between Luisa and Sergey and he actually chose the third option (and the consequences that were already imprinted in that option)... Damn that Afghanistan!
Strangely enough the events of the film started in 1977, the year I was born. So now I know what kind of world I came to. It brought back the flashbacks of the same eerie cold, dismal gray atmosphere and even the smell of the snow. Masterpiece indeed. Since it's been to 29 festivals and is going to 18 more, hope for some rewards is accurate, I think.
This film still needs a lot more recognition and press and general awareness by people than it has received so far. I hope the film gets some awards.