BITTER HARVEST

This is an extraordinary epic story of historical significance which details the genocide famine created by the Soviets in 1932/33 known as the Holdomor, recognised today as one of the greatest crimes against humanity.

Russia could not exist without Ukraine’s harvest, so Stalin, the leader of the Soviet Union, unmercifully stripped the farmers of their land, valuables and most of their harvests. The official party lie announced to the outside world was ‘No famine – just a food shortage’.

Told for the first time in feature film history, the story surrounds Yuri (Max Irons), a newlywed living in a simplistic village whose passion was to become an artist. Stripped of his self-expression and individualism, his transition from freedom to enemy of the state is detailed, as he transforms from painter to warrior.

This story of love, honour, rebellion and resilience performed by a cast of predominantly rising stars, perfectly captures the terror and atrocities committed which led to the depersonalisation and forced starvation of an estimated 10 million innocent people.

This powerful film which details one of the lesser known dark chapters in history resonates the importance of freedom and is sure to capture the attention of movie-goers. (MMo)

★★★1/2