Firebird tells a forbidden love behind the Iron Curtain

Sergey is an introverted soldier in Cold War-era Estonia. Behind the Iron Curtain, he knows he must repress his truest desires. But when a handsome fighter pilot arrives at the camp, he dares to dream again. And express himself in a way that could both set them free.

“Firebird” follows the story of Sergey, a private in the Soviet army. In communist Estonia, he dares not to dream. Sergey wants to express himself as an actor in theater. But after refusing an extended stay in service, he knows his only bound to be forever on a farm. That is until Roman arrives. Not only does the tall and handsome fighter pilot help him realize his dreams, but he also reignites the desire that he is keeping hidden for so long.

Even if “Firebird” oftentimes veers into being unrealistic (the audience will be like, yeah we’re watching a movie), the depth and emotion of its story make it stand out. Not only could you feel the fear and excitement from every character. “Firebird” also tickles the other senses: the booming sound of a jet as Sergey and Roman climaxed during a sex scene in the sea; the red light in a darkened room as their skins touched; the growing crescendo created by the theater orchestra as they stood side by side, watching a play; the smell of a cramped room as they drip in sweat, lying in bed naked.

The locations are astonishing, bringing the audience into Cold War-era Estonia. The actors played their part well. Oleg Zagordnii as the handsome “commander lieutenant” (you should hear lead character Tom Prior say that), is a perfect fit for Prior who is playing Sergey, with their Russian accents.

Geek Rate

(Sky god Worthy. 5 out of 5 stars). I like historical movies and the importance of the film’s message in this modern age could not be overlooked. The story might not be that original. But that’s the beauty of it. We all could see the same queer story with the same struggles while focusing on the specific life of Sergey and Roman.

Reignell Francisco

I’m a Filipino content creator with passion for travel, history, football, and anything on TV. Visit my YouTube channel onelostgeek for my travel stories. Business inquiry: geekgodreview@yahoo.com