JEANNE’S REVIEW

Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022 and a war began. This was an unnecessary conflict perpetrated by the thug running the Russian government whom I will not dignify by stating his name. SISTERS OF UKRAINE is a documentary directed by Mike Dorsey, a filmmaker based in Los Angeles.

He and his crew traveled to western Ukraine to capture the story of a convent where the nuns were dedicated to helping refugees following the invasion. Aided in their efforts by two male volunteers from Barcelona, Spain, who make their way by land to the convent, the nuns and a group of three dozen refugees and families of soldiers fighting in the war set out on a three-day, 2500 mile odyssey across Europe.

These poor people had fled the eastern part of Ukraine which was hit hardest to this relatively safe area in the west. But the night before Dorsey and his team drove into Ukraine, the Kerch Strait Bridge connecting Crimea was bombed, creating new terror and sending shock waves around the world. The crew’s hope for a quiet production has now turned into a fight for survival.

Before they are able to depart for Spain, all of Ukraine has now come under attack with daily waves of missiles and drones aimed at civilian targets. But these very brave, very young nuns, led by Mother Cristiana, are unbelievably dedicated in their undertaking to keep these refugees safe, especially the children, with whom they exhibit great patience and strength.

It is truly a marvel to behold watching this group ban together to escape the violence which has been forced upon them. Dorsey’s cinematographers, two-time Emmy winner Terry Pratt and Emmy winner Jacopo Campaiola, do a spectacular job filming the beauty of Ukraine --- and it is gorgeous --- against the frightening realities of war.

When this group finally reaches Spain, they are warmly welcomed by the organization responsible for their rescue and offered new housing near Barcelona. It’s a moving and heartwarming conclusion to SISTERS OF UKRAINE, which also serves as a loving tribute to the selfless actions of everyone involved.

Opinion: See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

The sisters in this moving documentary, SISTERS OF UKRAINE, are actually Ukrainian nuns who shelter families and children in their community in February 2022 on the first day Russia dropped bombs in the war that is still raging to this day. The story evolves further when two male volunteers from Barcelona, Spain assist the small group of nuns in relocating some refugees from Ukraine into Spain over three days and 2500 miles.

Led by Mother Cristiana, the sisters, along with their Spanish saviors, Edouardo Llop and Rafa Moreno, make the difficult decision to leave their beloved homeland for new living quarters near Barcelona. While most of the children appear to be under 10, some are toddlers, obviously too young to understand what is happening.

One of the most moving sequences features one girl, possibly 17 or 18, looking into the camera and (1) fearful for her parents who refuse to leave their home, and (2) hopeful that “the world will not get used to war” --- all this as she fights back tears. It truly signifies the horrors of such an unprovoked assault by the Russians.

We do not know from writer/director Mike Dorsey’s excellent documentary how long the Ukrainian refugees remained in Spain, or if they are still there. But SISTERS OF UKRAINE is clearly an inspirational story about the human spirit --- as well as a terrifying one about the ramifications of war.

Opinion:  See It Now!