116. Olga; movie review

 

OLGA

Cert TBA

85 mins

BBFC advice: TBA

As the very real prospect of a Third World War emerges from Eastern Europe, cinema is playing its part in raising money for the people of Ukraine.

In an initiative by 606 Distribution, the British Film Institute and UK Cinema Association, screenings of Olga will be held at over 200 cinemas from March 18.

A donation will be made to support those impacted by the war in Ukraine through the Disasters Emergency Committee.

This type of collaboration is rare and it demonstrates the empathy in the UK towards those who have suffered because of the Russian invasion.

The picture in question - Elie Grappe's Olga - is about a teenage international gymnast whose mother is an investigative journalist in Ukraine at the time of the revolution in 2014.

Anastasiia Budiashkina, who plays the title character, is a high-quality gymnast herself, so the many training and competition schemes are believable and compelling.

They complement the political scenario which sees Olga forced to move to Switzerland because of the threat's to her mother's life.

There she is under pressure to change her nationality so she can join the Swiss national gymnastic squad.

Olga loves her sport, is incredibly dedicated to her training and is seen as a star of the future.

However, the cost of progress is that she is alone and left only to watch harrowing news reports of the turmoil in her country.

Today, I listened to a radio interview with a young woman who had fled the current conflict in Ukraine to take safe haven in Latvia.

She feels guilty because of those she has left behind, mirroring the sentiments of Olga in Grappe's film.

This is a movie which shows the determination of the Ukrainian people who have either stayed to fight or been displaced.

They have faced the nation's current plight many times before and come through whatever has been thrown at them.

Olga shines a light upon individuals who resist. When they join forces, they are irresistible.

Reasons to watch: A rare insight into the dedication of top-level gymnasts

Reasons to avoid: Acting is a bit stilted

Laughs: None

Jumps: None

Vomit: None

Nudity: None

Overall rating: 7/10

Did you know? In January and February 2014, clashes in Kyiv between protesters and Berkut special riot police resulted in the deaths of 108 protesters and 13 police officers, and the wounding of many others.

The final word. Jason Wood, Director of Public Programmes at the BFI, says: “Film has the power to unite people and inspire empathy across cultures. I’m really proud that the UK’s film exhibition and distribution community and colleagues across the BFI have come together to bring Olga to as many UK cinemas – and audiences – as possible, giving us a perspective on Ukrainian life, telling a Ukrainian story and actively supporting the people of Ukraine through this special film.” BFI

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