Watch Maidan

Set in the heart of Kiev, Ukraine, the documentary film "Maidan" portrays the violent protests that unfolded in the winter of 2013 and early 2014. The film immerses the viewers into the thick of the revolution, capturing the passion and bravery of those fighting for their rights, values and for a better future for their country. The film begins with a peaceful student protest that breaks out in Kiev’s central square, Maidan Nezalezhnosti or Independence Square, in November 2013. The students were demanding closer ties with the European Union and a rejection of the pro-Russian policies of then-president Viktor Yanukovych.

As the protests continue, the movement gains momentum, and the film switches its lens to the diverse people who joined the protests. Filmmaker Sergei Loznitsa provides a snapshot of the events taking place through the eyes of ordinary people who came to Maidan, creating a powerful mosaic of the people's uprising.

"Maidan" presents a mix of footage, half of which is shot from a static camera and the other half is shot handheld, giving viewers a sense of both the enormity of Maidan, along with the smaller details that make it up. The camera shows the layers of cold snow, frozen barricades, and tents in which people took shelter, creating a sense of the harsh and claustrophobic conditions that the protestors faced.

Throughout the documentary, we hear the chants of revolutionaries, including “Glory to Ukraine” and “Ukraine United.” The film also captures the heart-wrenching moments of solidarity and unity between protestors, including a scene in which a group of them sings the Ukrainian national anthem. These moments show not only the passion and pride of the protestors but also the depth of their desire for change.

The filmmakers also provide a poignant contrast between the peacefulness of the movement’s daytime rallies and the tension and violence that erupted at night. This juxtaposition captures the sense of foreboding and uncertainty that characterized the whole revolution.

As tension mounts and clashes between the protestors and the police intensify, Yanukovych refuses to step down. The filmmakers show the mounting despair of the protestors as they watch their momentum lose ground. But despite the mounting pressure, the protestors held firm, and their voices grew louder.

As the documentary builds up to the climax, we witness the decisive moment when Yanukovych finally flees to Russia, leading to the possible conclusion of the uprising. In the aftermath, the film provides a sobering look at the costs of the revolution, including the tragic loss of life and the shattered lives of those who survived.

Overall, "Maidan" is a powerful documentary that offers a cinematic experience of what it was like to be inside the revolution, capturing the essence of the democrat activism, courage, and the spirit of unity. It is a testament to the human struggle for freedom and dignity, and a must-see for anyone interested in world events and political change.

Maidan is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 86.