20 Days in Mariupol – Review

As I arrive to watch 20 Days in Mariupol the theatre has its regular buzz to it. People chatting waiting for the whole thing to start. As the film starts a hush waves over the crowd. The serious subject matter is immediately brought up to the screen with the sounds of gunfire and a shaky camera focuses in on a Russian tank.

20 Days in Mariupol - Review
People take shelter in a youth theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 6, 2022. Still from FRONTLINE PBS and AP’s feature film “20 Days in Mariupol.” CREDIT: (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov)

The narrator explains that he and his companions have been trapped in the hospital that is now under siege and my heart starts to beat a little faster. Before we can find out what happens with the tank, we go back in time to before the Russians invade Ukraine. The invasion seems imminent, and we see the crew moving about Mariupol in a frenzy trying to figure out what to do – flee or stay put?

20 Days in Mariupol - Review
Photographer Evgeniy Maloletka picks his way through the aftermath of a Russian attack. Feb. 24, 2022.” CREDIT: (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov)

The documentary is filmed from the narrator’s point of view and there are times you feel as though you can hear his thoughts. Fear. Astonishment. Hopelessness. Are these the director’s feelings or are they mine? A sign, perhaps, of a truly astonishing documentary.

20 Days in Mariupol - Review
An explosion is seen in an apartment building after Russian’s army tank fires in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 11, 2022. Still from FRONTLINE PBS and AP’s feature film “20 Days in Mariupol.” CREDIT: (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

It should be no surprise that 20 Days in Mariupol is incredibly moving. The true horrors of war are splayed across the screen for everyone to see. Each scene is a new horror and with each horror comes more tears. A word to the wise, if you plan on seeing this film, bring plenty of Kleenex.

Photographer Evgeniy Maloletka points at the smoke rising after an airstrike on a maternity hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 9, 2022. Still from FRONTLINE PBS and AP’s feature film “20 Days in Mariupol.” CREDIT: (AP Photo/Mstyslav Chernov)

By the time the movie ends, everyone is in stunned silence. Though this film may not be fun to watch, it might just be essential to watch.

20 Days in Mariupol - Review
Ukrainian emergency workers and volunteers carry an injured pregnant woman from a maternity hospital damaged by an airstrike in Mariupol, Ukraine, March 9, 2022. The woman was taken to another hospital but did not survive. Still from FRONTLINE PBS and AP’s feature film “20 Days in Mariupol.” CREDIT: (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)

20 Days in Mariupol is directed by Mstyslav Chernov and will be playing again at the Isabel Bader Theater on May 4th at 5.30 pm.

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About Paula ter Kuile 16 Articles
Paula ter Kuile is a freelance writer living in Toronto. When not writing you can find her wandering around High Park, sipping coffee at a local coffee shop or taking in the latest art exhibit.