With the war between Ukraine and Russia being waged in real time, there comes a film that, based on a true story, gives a feeling of dread yet hope. Tightly wound, the movie Sniper: The White Raven shows spirit and fortitude under heavy duress. Some men look to retribution and revenge as it is in this story.
It’s the year 2014. Living in an earth covered cabin in the side of a hill a young couple Mykola Voronenko (Aldoshyn Pavlo), a Physics teacher, and his wife Nastya (Maryna Koshkina), an artist, have carved out a life in Gorlovka, Ukraine. It’s a good distance from most people and near the border of Donetsk, Ukraine and Russia. On their own they have found peace and love.
At high school Mykola hears the news that President Victor Yankovych has refused to sign an agreement with the European Union in favor of improving relations with Russia and he has fled to Russia. Protests have been made in Kylv against his decision, and, over 100 protesters have been killed by Russian Special Forces. In addition Crimea has been completely taken over and are under the control of the Russian Federation.
The Russian Special Forces of the GUR have sent out squads around Gorlovka looking for pro-Russian activists for recruits. Coming to the cabin of Mykola they burn down the place. Hours later a rag tag Ukrainian militia squad happens by and they revive Mykola. Director Marian Bushan takes his first big screen film to theaters in the United States. With excellent cinematography, a compelling plot, and actors who make their characters realistic, he comes up a winner. I like the pace, the production and the way Bushan applies each of the twists with surprises that put me on the edge of seat.
Taking on the lead role of Mykola, Aldoshyn Pavlo puts a lot of energy into his character. Taking beatings, putting himself in tight spots and pushing himself to make the film look exciting, he makes it all work. It’s only his second film performance and it’s looking like he’ll have more ahead.
Sniper: The White Raven has been rated R by the MPAA for violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality/nudity. The war violence gets punishing and brutal in this high energy film, but still should be watched by all adults that are not squeamish. The film is played out in the Ukrainian language with easy to read English subtitles. 5 out of 5 Stars
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Pavlo Aldoshyn, Maryna Koshkina (Nastya), Andriy Mostrenko, Roman Semysal, Oleg Drach, Roman Yasinovskyi, Oleg Shulga
Directed by: Marian Bushan
Genre: Drama, War
MPAA Rating: Rated R for violence, bloody images, language and some sexuality/nudity.
Running Time: 2 hrs.
Opening Date: July 1, 2022
Distributed by: Well Go USA Entertainment
Released in: Theaters and Digital
