Watch Bitter Harvest

Bitter Harvest is a 2017 epic romantic drama film directed by George Mendeluk and starring Max Irons, Samantha Barks, and Terence Stamp. Set in Ukraine during the Holodomor famine, the film tells the story of two young lovers who are caught in the middle of one of the most devastating man-made tragedies in modern history. The movie is set in 1932 Ukraine and follows the journey of a young artist named Yuri (Max Irons), who is determined to express his artistic talents and achieve his dream of becoming a painter. However, Yuri's world turns upside down after he falls in love with Natalka (Samantha Barks), the daughter of a local farmer. Soon after, Stalin's Soviet Union launches a brutal campaign to collectivize the country's agriculture and introduce socialist policies. This leads to the Holodomor famine, which claimed the lives of millions of Ukrainians.

Bitter Harvest beautifully captures the vivid and colorful landscape of Ukraine, depicting the breathtaking views of the countryside and the traditional Ukrainian architecture. The cinematography is exceptional, with mesmerizing shots of wheat fields, rivers, and forests that add to the film's sense of realism and authenticity.

As the political turmoil unfolds, Yuri and Natalka find themselves embroiled in a dangerous world where loyalty, family, and love are put to the test. They both struggle to survive and resist the tyranny imposed by Stalin's regime, which is determined to erase the Ukrainian identity and culture.

Terence Stamp gives a gripping performance as Ivan, Yuri's grandfather, whose intense love for his homeland inspires Yuri to join the resistance movement. Ivan's character serves as a moral compass throughout the film, instilling in Yuri a deep respect for his heritage and the importance of preserving his people's identity.

The chemistry between Max Irons and Samantha Barks is palpable, and their relationship adds a layer of depth to the film. They both share a strong sense of patriotism and a desire to fight for their country's independence. Yuri's talents as an artist play a significant role in the film, as he uses his art to document the events unfolding around him and to inspire others to fight for their freedom.

The film effectively portrays the horrors of the Holodomor famine, showcasing the deprivation, starvation, and despair that plagued the Ukrainian people. The scenes of mass starvation and cannibalism are gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, and serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed by Stalin's regime.

Overall, Bitter Harvest is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a forgotten chapter in history. It is a tragic story of love and resilience in the face of oppression, which serves as a testament to the human spirit. The film is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the struggle for human rights and freedom.

Bitter Harvest is a 2017 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 34.