Bad Roads (Zona de guerra)

The individual short stories could have been rounded off better, but in my opinion the cruelly bitter subtext in all four of them did the job very well. I definitely consider the last story to be the best, with its almost horror-like atmosphere. On its heels is the third story, which has the rawest and most depressing feel to it. The second story is probably the weakest in terms of topic and overall mood. However, I was very impressed by the very first story, which shows that Ukrainians and Russians are almost as bad as each other when it comes to mutual relations. The story’s author quietly informs us that these two nations do not exactly abound in brotherly love and togetherness. In short, the current problems in the area are certainly not as black and white as they may appear on the surface. (75%) (04.05.2022)

Not only on a bad road but also in the wrong country, at the wrong place, and at the wrong time. Natalya Vorozhbit wanted to shoot something crucial about a war-torn country, but the result corresponds to either a lack of experience or talent. Something is excessive or missing in all four micro-stories, or rather meetings. I am not satisfied with any of the four parts. The third potentially very strong micro-story is drowned in strange dialogues, the fourth clashes with the rest in terms of atmosphere and outcome, and even there it needed some work on the point. Overall impression: 45%. (12.04.2022)