In the heart of Ukraine, where the echoes of war have become a constant backdrop, lies a story that transcends the typical war documentary. Yuliia Hontaruk's 'To Die to Live' is not merely a film about the Russo-Ukrainian conflict; it's a profound exploration of the human spirit's resilience and the intricate dance between life and death. This documentary, which premiered at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, takes viewers on a 12-year journey alongside three Ukrainian volunteers: Shakhta, a dancer, Potter, and a soldier who volunteered in 2014. What makes this film truly remarkable is its long-term perspective, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of these volunteers from the frontlines in 2014, through their painful return to civilian life, and back into the fire in 2022.
Hontaruk, the director, shares a personal revelation: "Twelve years ago, I followed three young Ukrainian volunteers to the frontline. I thought I was making a film about war. I was wrong." This statement encapsulates the essence of the documentary, as it delves into the profound and painful journey of these volunteers, revealing how the war's impact extends far beyond the battlefield. The film's cinematography, captured by Denys Strashnyi, Yurii Gruzinov, and Hontaruk herself, beautifully captures the raw emotions and the harsh realities of war, while the editing team, including Hontaruk, ensures a seamless flow that keeps viewers engaged.
One of the most striking aspects of 'To Die to Live' is its exploration of the volunteers' struggles to return to civilian life. The Minsk agreements, which brought a temporary respite, were short-lived, as the Russian invasion in 2022 thrust them back into the war. This cycle of trauma and resilience is a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of war and its impact on the human psyche. Hontaruk's decision to follow these volunteers back home after the initial conflict was a turning point, as she witnessed the real film begin—a story of transformation and the stubborn insistence of life in the shadow of death.
The film's title, 'To Die to Live', is a metaphorical journey that reflects the volunteers' experiences. It symbolizes the paradoxical nature of war, where the desire to live and the acceptance of death coexist. Hontaruk's perspective on the film's subject matter is insightful: "This is not really a film about war. It is about what war leaves inside people, and what they do with it." This perspective shifts the focus from the external conflict to the internal struggles and the transformative power of the human spirit.
What makes 'To Die to Live' particularly fascinating is its life-affirming message. Despite the horrors they endured, the volunteers' stories are ultimately about survival and the indomitable will to live. Hontaruk's personal interpretation of the film's message is profound: "Because despite everything, despite all the loss and rupture and years of waiting, life has proven itself stronger than death. Again and again, I men choose it." This sentiment resonates deeply, as it highlights the human capacity for resilience and the enduring power of life, even in the darkest of times.
In my opinion, 'To Die to Live' is a must-watch for anyone interested in the human experience during times of war. It offers a unique and intimate perspective on the volunteers' lives, revealing the personal stories and traumas they endured. The film's exploration of the volunteers' struggles to return to civilian life and their eventual re-engagement with the war is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of conflict and the human spirit's ability to endure. As Hontaruk's statement suggests, the film is not just about the war; it's about the profound impact of war on individuals and the transformative journey that follows.
This documentary is a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the essence of a conflict and its human cost. It invites viewers to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring nature of life, even in the face of death. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing war in Ukraine, 'To Die to Live' serves as a poignant reminder of the personal stories and the human cost behind the headlines.
