Kuzma Scriabin is one of the most prominent artists of contemporary Ukrainian culture. His death in a car accident in 2015 left an indelible scar on the face of Ukraine’s music scene. At the same time, Scriabin’s legacy and his work continue to live on. The film «Me, Victory and Berlin» — is one example of the realization of the artist’s legacy. In our review, we tell you how the movie turned out.
Genre road accident
Director Olga Ryashina
Starring Ivan Blindar, Volodymyr Heva, Maria Stopnyk, Vitaliy Gordienko
Premiere movie theaters
Year of release 2024
Website IMDb
The film is based on the story of the same name by Kuzma himself, which was published in 2006. This is a story about the beginning of Scriabin’s career. At that time, Kuzma (Ivan Blindar) had strong doubts about the need to continue his creative endeavors. But life gave him the opportunity to exchange his old car «Pobeda» for the six hundredth «Mercedes». The singer decided to use this opportunity to impress his girlfriend and at the same time — think about his life path. This is how his road trip began.
The original story «Me, Victory and Berlin» was based on Kuzma’s own life, but had fictional characters. The film decided to remove the extra layer of artistry, so the main character here is Scriabin himself. Of course, the nuances of the original source call into question the veracity of some elements of the movie. But if you recall the atmosphere that Kuzma himself generated around him, for some reason you do not hesitate to believe in the veracity of the events in the movie.
When the conversation turns to Scriabin, one automatically recalls his songs. That’s why the musical component can be considered almost the key one in the movie. And it did not disappoint here. Many of Scriabin’s famous songs were re-recorded for the movie. Famous Ukrainian artists such as Jamala and the TVORCHI band were invited to perform the new versions. The covers turned out to be as diverse as possible, but at the same time successful. So everyone here will definitely find something to suit their tastes and will be able to hear their favorite songs in interesting interpretations.
Good music is an essential element of any good road trip, and this is the central genre of the movie. «Rocky Road to Berlin» constantly throws new situations and challenges at the protagonists, which demonstrate not even their abilities or intelligence, but simply their attitude to life. It is Kuzma’s attitude that helps him find amazing adventures and equally amazing solutions to his problems.
And all of this without any unnecessary moralizing, lessons, or precepts. If you really want to, you will be able to find high meanings in the movie. A reflection of some unpleasant moments from Ukraine in the 90s, and rather sharp social nuances that play with new colors in the current political situation. But it’s all at your discretion, the film crew will not stand over you with their «important opinions». Instead, they will give you maximum positivity and warmth, as if you were meeting an old friend whom you are always happy to see.
«Rocky Road to Berlin» — is perhaps the kindest movie of contemporary Ukrainian cinema. At the same time, it does not seem too naive. Any situation here has clear consequences and a solid foundation.
There are no questions about the script at all. It is all the more important that the movie was released in such difficult times for Ukraine. It seems to give us hope and aspiration for the times when everything will finally be fine.
Ivan Blindar perfectly transformed into Kuzma Scriabin. If you think about it, you might even get a little scared of their resemblance. Even his movements and manner of speech are exactly the same as those of the deceased artist.
Other actors also play very nicely. I would especially like to mention the character of the Bard (Volodymyr Heva). His image does not fit into the typical framework of movie scripts, so sometimes he seems to be an antagonist, sometimes a representative of «gray morality». But the truth is that the Bard is an ordinary person with his methods of solving life’s problems, and with his share of charisma. Geva conveyed all these nuances perfectly.
«Rocky Road to Berlin» will also delight viewers with its landscapes and urban flavors. You literally go on a real journey with the main characters.
The diversity here is not only in the locations, but even in the way they are depicted. The special atmosphere of different places is conveyed through camera angles and color palette. So even from a technical point of view, there are no complaints about the movie.
Still, I want to turn on the critic and find some disadvantages or questionable points. But it’s very difficult to do so — and even more so if we talk about trivial things. For example, about the local depiction of a drug trip, which is not original. But even it can be perceived as a reference to the movie «On the Needle» Danny Boyle.
Everything here is so beautiful and pure that you seem to become kinder while watching it. Without trying to deliberately touch something in your soul, «Rocky Road to Berlin» still sticks in your mind, becomes an escape from the routine of everyday life. And this is the greatest victory of this movie, which will not only be a worthy replica of Scriabin’s achievements, but will definitely become one of the best films of contemporary Ukrainian cinema.
There is also a role for blogger Vitaliy Hordienko, who runs a YouTube channel «Moviegoers Squad». So next time, think twice before you say that it does nothing to promote Ukrainian cinema to the masses.