Film OverviewA historic romantic drama, "Bitter Harvest" is a 2017 film set in the background of the Holodomor, a man-made scarcity that took place in the Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933. The film was directed by George Mendeluk with Richard Bachynsky Hoover supplying the screenplay. The story illustrates the tragedy through the eyes of 2 young fans struggling to make it through and resist the ruthless policies of totalitarian Joseph Stalin.
Setting and CharactersThe film is set in Ukraine and centres around the lives and struggle of a pair of childhood sweethearts, Yuri (Max Irons) and Natalka (Samantha Barks). Yuri is an aspiring artist, born into a family of Cossack warriors, and Natalka is a town appeal. They both dream of a delighted life together however get knotted in the horrific events leading up to the Holodomor genocide.
Plot"Bitter Harvest" depicts Yuri and Natalka's journey, which starts quietly in their small Ukrainian village, where they lead a simple life with Yuri's grandfather and parents. Their peaceful life is interrupted as Russia's dictator Joseph Stalin exercises his control over Ukraine, carrying out policies that cause mass death from hunger. The film highlights Stalin's forced collectivisation that harshly impacts Ukraine's farmers causing the Holodomor.
Yuri, who relocates to Kyiv to pursue a career in art, gets caught in the chaos and witnesses the Soviet federal government's ruthlessness. Meanwhile, back in the village, Natalka and the rest of Yuri's household struggle with the harsh routine and its policies, which strip the local farmers of their grains and leave them starving.
Dispute and ResolutionYuri gets sent to prison for defying the overbearing guideline, but he handles to leave with a group of fellow prisoners. He starts a hard journey back to his village and Natalka, who is withstanding extreme conditions from the starvation and Soviet oppression. Along his journey, Yuri becomes a part of the guerrilla resistance, amplifying his battle versus the unjustified system. All at once, Natalka utilizes her intelligence to resist the Soviets in their village by poisoning a leader which helps Yuri in leaving.
The film also hints at the international neighborhood's negligence towards Ukraine's scenario, contributing indirectly to the determination of Holodomor.
ConclusionIn spite of the movie's dismal historical backdrop, "Bitter Harvest" provides a glimmer of hope as Yuri and Natalka reunite, somewhat scarred but unbeaten by the difficulties. Although they lose their loved ones and their village to the famine, their spirit of resistance survives. The film ends on a symbolically confident note with the couple and their newborn kid looking towards the future, symbolizing the durable spirit of the Ukrainian individuals.
General Impression"Bitter Harvest" stresses the terrible events of the Holodomor, a less-known terrible occasion in history. Although it has actually received blended evaluations, the movie is praised for portraying the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of serious injustice and genocide. It marks a substantial attempt to light up a historic occasion that typically remains overlooked in mainstream stories. Through a mix of romance, drama, and tragedy, "Bitter Harvest" exposes the human face of Holodomor, making an agonizing however essential watching experience.
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