Our War

In the midst of one of history's most brutal conflicts, a documentary emerges, shedding light on the unsung heroes who toil in obscurity. "Our War," directed by Bernard-Henri Lévy and Marc Roussel, is an unapologetic portrayal of the unrelenting struggle for existence in eastern Ukraine. The filmmakers embarked on a perilous journey in February and April 2025, capturing the unflinching resilience of the Anne de Kyiv Brigade's fighters, who are armed by France, and the civilians who bear the brunt of Russia's relentless onslaught. From the outset, the documentary lays bare the harrowing reality of war's impact on civilians. The towns of Pokrovsk and Soumy are reduced to mere specter of their former selves, with the cacophony of war a constant reminder of the fragile existence that prevails in these shattered communities. Every scene, every interview, and every moment is infused with a sense of urgency and desperation, as the people of Ukraine embark on a collective struggle for survival. At the heart of "Our War" lies the story of the Anne de Kyiv Brigade, a force comprised of brave fighters who stand resolute against the might of the Russian army. These soldiers, recipients of French arms, have dedicated their lives to the defense of their homeland, even as they face formidable odds. Their unwavering determination serves as a powerful counterpoint to the depredations of their enemies, their comrades in arms a testament to the enduring spirit of Ukraine's war-weary people. Throughout the documentary, Lévy interweaves his personal narrative with that of the Ukraine conflict, drawing on his own experiences as a witness to the human cost of war. In a poignant sequence, he recalls the eruption of violence in 2014, which set in motion the devastating chain of events that led to the present day. The memories of that transformative moment serve as a poignant reminder of the war's long and tortured history, one that has claimed countless lives and left an indelible mark on the nation. The documentary's most striking aspect, however, lies in its portrayal of Ukraine's revered leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In a series of candid interviews, Zelenskyy shines a light on the psychological toll that leadership has taken on him. His hesitation to travel to Washington serves as a powerful reminder of the unyielding resolve that underpins his presidency, his sense of duty an unwavering beacon of hope in a season of unrelenting darkness. One of the most poignant moments in the documentary unfolds in a cramped bunker, where Ukrainian soldiers, weary but unbroken, relive the dramatic meeting with their United States counterparts. In the midst of this underground hideaway, the documentary's gaze falls on a group of brave fighters, some of whose faces have been scarred by the excesses of war. Here, we find the true faces of Ukraine's conflict: the unsung warriors who bear the brunt of a struggle that appears to have no end. As the documentary draws to a close, Lévy brings his narrative full circle, reflecting on the larger significance of the war in Ukraine. In its quiet, unassuming way, "Our War" proves itself to be a profound meditation on the human condition, one that eschews the glamour of victory in favor of a more authentic, more heart-wrenching portrayal of war's brutal realities. Through the bravery of Ukraine's soldiers and civilians, we catch a fleeting glimpse of a nation that refuses to be vanquished, a people who, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, continue to hold their heads high. "Our War" is a testament to the power of the human spirit, an enduring expression of the very same qualities that Lévy has so tirelessly championed throughout his life: courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to freedom. It is a film that shatters expectations, eschewing the familiar tropes of war reporting in favor of a more direct, more deeply personal encounter with the raw, unadulterated reality of conflict. In this singular way, "Our War" transcends its documentary roots, emerging as a formidable tribute to the quiet strength of Ukraine's unwavering people.