Family Archives Reveal Ukraine’s Transformative Years

Read Time:4 Minute, 7 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Fragments of Ice
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Maria Stoianova
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 Visions du Réel – International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Within the world and history of FRAGMENTS OF ICE, Maria Stoianova delivers a film that’s both a time capsule and a mirror reflecting Ukraine’s journey from Soviet repression to independence (and just the beginning of current events). Using VHS tapes recorded by her father, a distinguished figure skater, the film melds personal anecdotes with the broader socio-political landscape of Ukraine, crafting a narrative that manages to be both textured and tumultuous.

FRAGMENTS OF ICE presents a compelling blend of personal history and narrative, driven by the VHS footage Stoianova’s father captured during his career with the Ukrainian Ensemble Ballet on Ice. Recorded between 1986 and 1994, these tapes not only showcase international tours and the allure of Western countries but also starkly contrast with the grim realities of Soviet-era Ukraine. This raw, firsthand footage is a powerful backdrop to the country’s tumultuous shift towards independence, making the documentary a poignant exploration of historical transformation.

Maria Stoianova uses this unique family archive to peel back layers of personal and national identity. Her father's reflections provide a personal touch to the narrative, illustrating the oppressive atmosphere of the Soviet regime and the liberating yet chaotic aftermath of its fall. His dual role as a celebrated athlete and unwitting cultural envoy offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of personal achievement and political turbulence.

Stoianova incorporates archival ballet records alongside the home videos to challenge this narrative. This juxtaposition questions the reliability of state-sanctioned history and emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll these tumultuous times took on individuals and families. The film becomes a canvas, painting a vivid picture of the disconnect and disillusionment between the propaganda of prosperity and the reality of repression.

FRAGMENTS OF ICE also ties historical events to contemporary issues, notably through the inclusion of recent footage relating to the 2022 Russian invasion and attacks on Ukraine. This narrative choice highlights the recurring cycles of conflict and resilience in Ukrainian history, urging viewers to consider the long-lasting impact of past events on present challenges.

While Stoianova’s directorial intent is clear and ambitious, the documentary occasionally struggles under the weight of its scope. The endeavor to weave together such a rich exploration of stories and historical insights sometimes overshadows the film's ability to consistently engage its audience emotionally. That’s why, in the end, the film gets a mathematically right-in-the-middle rating for me. It’s a film that I didn’t hate but also didn’t love; it had a lot of fantastic aspects but also suffered from over-saturation in its content and a laborious narration that made it hard to focus at times.

Despite these narrative challenges, some of the film’s technical aspects are finely tuned. Vasyl Yavtushenkome's sound design and Anton Dehtiarov's minimalist yet poignant score enhance the emotional gravity of the grainy VHS footage.

FRAGMENTS OF ICE stands as a testament to the significance of personal archives in narrating histories. Through Stoianova’s lens, viewers receive a multifaceted view of Ukrainian history, making the documentary a significant, albeit occasionally disjointed, watch for those interested in the personal dimensions of historical events.

Ultimately, while FRAGMENTS OF ICE might not fully realize the depth and clarity its historical and personal narrative potential suggests, it remains an engaging and thought-provoking look at Ukraine’s path through significant historical moments. It reminds us of the continuous struggle for identity and independence, offering a unique perspective on how past events shape the realities of the future.

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[photo courtesy of TABOR LTD.]

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