Is Star of David Cherkassky Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2020 release of Star of David Cherkassky stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into A vivid portrait of David Cherkassky - prominent director, animator, People's Artist of Ukraine - in his life and work. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "A vivid portrait of David Cherkassky - prominent director, animator, People's Artist of Ukraine - in his life and work. He is famous not only for his classic works such as Doctor Aybolit, Adventures of Captain Wrongel and Treasure Island, but also for his multifaceted vivid personality. The film tells the story of the author through his works: from the first to the last and incomplete ones. It is worth noting that close friends and co-authors of David, who have worked with him for many years, were invited to contribute to the film. The film used many materials: fragments of original cartoons, photographs, drawings, sketches, and newsreels of different years. Esthetically, the film is made in the spirit of Maestro Cherkassky himself, and is dedicated to his cherished memory."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Viktor Andriienko provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Serhiy Volkov is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 81 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Star of David Cherkassky truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Star of David Cherkassky explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Serhiy Volkov respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Star of David Cherkassky is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Viktor Andriienko or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Star of David Cherkassky is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.