
Firebird
dir. Peeter Rebane
63
7 sourcesSynopsis
At the height of the Cold War, a troubled soldier forms a forbidden love triangle with a daring fighter pilot and his female comrade amid the dangerous surroundings of a Soviet Air Force Base.
Critics consensus
Firebird's intentions are admirable, but they're largely thwarted by a frustratingly muted approach to its central love story.
What resonated with audiences
'Firebird' is a poignant, true story set in the Soviet era, highlighting forbidden love between two men in the military. The film is lauded for its aesthetic beauty, strong performances, and emotional depth. However, some critics find the plot clichéd and overly familiar, drawing unfavorable comparisons to 'Brokeback Mountain'. Accents, dialogue, and certain directorial choices are also critiqued. Despite these issues, the film is appreciated for its representation of LGBTQ+ struggles and its historical context.

Directed byPeeter Rebane
StarringTom Prior, Oleg Zagorodnii, Diana Pozharskaya, Jake Henderson, Margus Prangel, Nicholas Woodeson
Written bySergey Fetisov, Peeter Rebane, Tom Prior
CinematographyMait Mäekivi
EditingTambet Tasuja
MusicKrzysztof Aleksander Janczak
Firebird
2021 · 1h 47m
Drama, Romance, War
At the height of the Cold War, a troubled soldier forms a forbidden love triangle with a daring fighter pilot and his female comrade amid the dangerous surroundings of a Soviet Air Force Base.
Our Verdict
63
What resonated with audiences
'Firebird' is a poignant, true story set in the Soviet era, highlighting forbidden love between two men in the military. The film is lauded for its aesthetic beauty, strong performances, and emotional depth. However, some critics find the plot clichéd and overly familiar, drawing unfavorable comparisons to 'Brokeback Mountain'. Accents, dialogue, and certain directorial choices are also critiqued. Despite these issues, the film is appreciated for its representation of LGBTQ+ struggles and its historical context.
Critics Consensus
Firebird's intentions are admirable, but they're largely thwarted by a frustratingly muted approach to its central love story.
