X
  • 2022
  • R
  • Roadside Attractions
  • 1 h 47 m
  • 2022
  • R
  • Roadside Attractions
  • 1 h 47 m

Summary Based on a true story during the Cold War, Firebird is a passionate love story set against the backdrop of a Soviet Air Force base in Estonia during late 1970’s Communist rule. Sergey (Tom Prior), a soulful, young soldier who dreams of becoming an actor in Moscow, is counting the days until his military service ends. His life turned upsi...

Directed By: Peeter Rebane

Written By: Tom Prior, Sergey Fetisov, Peeter Rebane

  • 2022
  • R
  • Roadside Attractions
  • 1 h 47 m
  • 2022
  • R
  • Roadside Attractions
  • 1 h 47 m

Firebird

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
49
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
7.4
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Based on a true story during the Cold War, Firebird is a passionate love story set against the backdrop of a Soviet Air Force base in Estonia during late 1970’s Communist rule. Sergey (Tom Prior), a soulful, young soldier who dreams of becoming an actor in Moscow, is counting the days until his military service ends. His life turned upsi...

Directed By: Peeter Rebane

Written By: Tom Prior, Sergey Fetisov, Peeter Rebane

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
49
45% Positive
5 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 11 Critic Reviews
49
45% Positive
5 Reviews
36% Mixed
4 Reviews
18% Negative
2 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
75
Apr 29, 2022
This film is a bittersweet love story about characters burdened by oppression, but the theme of liberation is as palpable as the sense of loss.
By Nell Minow FULL REVIEW
67
Apr 29, 2022
Prior and Zagorodnii are both so watchable, and their chemistry so electric, that it’s easy to get swept away in their romance. Historical accuracy be damned.
By Jude Dry FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
7.4
53% Positive
9 Ratings
47% Mixed
8 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 17 User Ratings
7.4
53% Positive
9 Ratings
47% Mixed
8 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
10
DavisS
Aug 21, 2022
Tears were streaming after the ending of this movie. It was emotional, raw and so moving. Truly a poignant body of work. The chemistry amongst the actors, the cinematography, scenery, screenplay, the plot itself, everything was flawless. Wish it was a bit more lengthy.
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10
wiggy_
Aug 9, 2022
Consists of excellent acting and I believe they had good chemistry. Although the story was weak in the odd area I believe overall this film is amazing and I’m glad I had the opportunity to watch it.
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65
May 11, 2022
This is all competently executed, as Prior and Zagorodnii have impressive chemistry, and Rebane allows their performances to take center stage. Unfortunately, even though the two leads are a joy to watch, we can’t help but feel that we’ve seen what Firebird is offering before.
FULL REVIEW
50
Apr 29, 2022
There’s so much potential heart and heartbreak in Firebird’s tale of forbidden passion that the screenplay and the cautious pacing become frustrating; with every ache measured and spelled out, the film’s dogged striving for poetry too often leaves it feeling disappointingly prosaic.
By Sheri Linden FULL REVIEW
50
Apr 27, 2022
Prior and Zagorodnii have a fair amount of chemistry, although both are so Fashion Week gorgeous that it edges Firebird near soft-core territory.
By Mark Keizer FULL REVIEW
40
Apr 28, 2022
Each line and image feels predetermined, as if Rebane and his characters had already decided this love story was a losing battle. There is loss, but little sense of risk.
By Teo Bugbee FULL REVIEW
33
May 21, 2022
Prior and Zagorodnii are at their best in casual conversation, either exchanging sheepish glances or knowing pleasantries under the base’s Big Brother-ish nose. But as soon as things get serious or even faintly sentimental, they talk like the guys in the movies.
FULL REVIEW
See All 11 Critic Reviews
9
Thorgal
Dec 4, 2022
Great movie. Amazing story. Unique insight in The Sovjets in that time. Brought with very good taste.
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8
DannyAT
Apr 29, 2022
Well acted and insightful look into treatment of **** s in old Soviet Union.
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6
night4
Dec 1, 2022
Tom Prior is a 9, everything and everyone else is a 4, so... 6.5 overall. It's such a shame that the other actors and the writing are so forgettable and unoriginal. Without Tom, this would be a complete disaster.
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6
TVJerry
May 5, 2022
This is based on a true story of 2 men who fell in love while serving in the Soviet Army during the Cold War. If discovered, their relationship could result in 5 years of hard labor, so keeping their secret was crucial. The narrative extends beyond their military days, as they grow in different directions, while remaining painfully in love. The 2 actors make their attraction feel real and become even more powerful as their situations become more complex. This film hits all the right targets for a story like this in a relatively straightforward manner. The attractive cast and able direction bolster its appeal.
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6
jadonut
Apr 30, 2022
[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]
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See All 7 User Reviews

Details

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Production Company Factory, No Reservations Entertainment, Film Estonia, Firebird Production
Release Date Apr 29, 2022
Duration 1 h 47 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline Fight for Love
Website https://firebirdmovie.com/
View All Details

Awards

FilmOut San Diego, US
• 3 Wins & 3 Nominations
Frameline San Francisco International LGBTQ Film Festival
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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