
During the 1970s in Estonia, a Soviet Air Force base unexpectedly hosts a passionate and forbidden romance. Sergey, a hopeful performer, finds himself drawn to Roman, a skilled fighter pilot. Their secret relationship blossoms against the backdrop of Cold War tensions and a society where same-sex love is strictly prohibited, forcing them to confront difficult choices about love and duty.
Does Firebird have end credit scenes?
No!
Firebird does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Firebird, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch Firebird online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Firebird is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Firebird stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
Firebird delivers a visually appealing portrait of forbidden love, bolstered by strong performances that elevate its emotional core. While the direction and cinematography capture the era’s stark atmosphere, the narrative relies heavily on familiar tropes and uneven pacing, especially in the second half. Critics note clichéd storytelling and a lack of risk, yet audiences respond to the chemistry and heartfelt moments. The mixed reception results in a respectable but not outstanding overall impression.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Firebird
Art & Craft
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film succeeds in rendering a muted, period‑accurate aesthetic that many reviewers cite as compelling. Cinematography is praised for its stark composition and effective use of landscape to underscore tension. However, some critics argue that the editing and production design become repetitive, especially in the latter half, tempering overall artistic impact.
Character & Emotion
When evaluating acting and emotional resonance, reviewers consistently highlight the leads’ chemistry and nuanced performances. Both critics and users describe the portrayals as compelling, allowing the audience to connect with the characters’ forbidden romance. Minor criticism arises regarding supporting roles, which some find forgettable, yet the central performances largely sustain the film’s emotional credibility.
Story & Flow
The narrative structure draws criticism for reliance on familiar clichés and uneven pacing, particularly after the midpoint. Critics note a predetermined trajectory that diminishes tension, while some audience members find the plot emotionally charged and insightful regarding Soviet-era oppression. This dichotomy yields a mixed assessment of the story’s originality and engagement.
Sensory Experience
Soundtrack and sound design receive modest acknowledgement, with the film’s score supporting its melancholic tone without overpowering scenes. Visual style, especially the bleak color palette and stark lighting, reinforces the oppressive atmosphere the story depicts. Although not highlighted as a standout element, the sensory components consistently complement the film’s thematic intentions.
Rewatch Factor
Rewatch value appears limited by the film’s predictability and familiar tropes, which some viewers find reduce the incentive for multiple viewings. Nonetheless, the strong central performances and emotional moments provide a modest appeal that could draw audiences back for the poignant concluding scenes. Overall, the film offers modest replay potential rather than a compelling reason to revisit.
49
Metascore
7.5
User Score
57%
TOMATOMETER
84%
User Score
74
%
User Score
3.4
From 347 fan ratings
4.50/5
From 4 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of Firebird with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is Sergey’s rank in the Soviet Air Force at the start of the film?
Private
Sergeant
Captain
Lieutenant
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Read the complete plot summary of Firebird, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Sergey Serebrennikov, a young private in the Soviet Air Force, has only a few weeks remaining in his military service. He and his friends bristle under the tight control of the military commanders. He appears to have a budding romance with Luisa, the secretary to the base commander, and he indulges in a photography hobby that is barely tolerated by his superiors. He’s assigned to assist a new fighter pilot, Roman Matvejev when he arrives. An undeniable passion between them develops, despite the threat of imprisonment that hangs over homosexual romances under the Soviet regime. Nonetheless, they consummate their attraction to one another and are nearly found out by a KGB agent.
Roman encourages Sergey to study acting in Moscow instead of returning to his family’s farm when he leaves the service. A year after Sergey leaves and finds a new life in the theater, he is invited to Roman and Luisa’s wedding. He attends and barely contains his disappointment in Roman and continuing love for him.
Roman and Luisa have a child together, but their marriage is a sham, and he continues to yearn for Sergey. Roman leaves his wife and son ostensibly to study in Moscow. He secretly rents an apartment with Sergey and they cohabit happily and take vacations together. However, Luisa and their son come to Moscow for Christmas and Roman and Sergey’s love is revealed to her. She is enraged at both Roman and Sergey by this revelation and the two men must part.
Later, Roman is assigned to participate in the Soviet–Afghan War, where he is killed. After his death, Sergey visits Luisa, who is still very angry at him. He returns to his life as an actor in Moscow and is last seen watching a production of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, The Firebird, which Roman had introduced him to.
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