Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Franz Böhm’s short film Rock Paper Scissors is an evocative exploration on the hidden casualties of war. Inspired by a true story, the film recounts the journey of 17-year-old Ivan and his father, Borden, as they operate a makeshift hospital bunker near the frontline. When Russian soldiers approach, Ivan is forced to grapple with a life-altering decision that will test his resilience and commitment to the people around him.
The story is expertly crafted with a steady build-up of tension that will have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the lean running time. What is impressive is that the film doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war and the immense cost of human life that it causes, but it is also a moving testament to the human spirit and the incredible courage people can show in the face of unspeakable horrors.
There is a gripping central performance from Oleksandr Rudynskyi as Ivan and his nuanced expressions manage to communicate a profound emotional depth that makes the weight of his decisions more palpable. The film is also beautifully shot by cinematographer Hsien Yu Niu, capturing the claustrophobic nature of the dimly lit bunkers and the hollowness of the landscapes that are transportive.
A moving testament to the human spirit
Rock Paper Scissors is a triumph of storytelling and is a poignant exploration of the war between Ukraine and Russia that continues to devastate so many innocent lives. Ivan’s tale is a profound and emotional one, but it is just one of the many stories from the battlefield that illuminate the devastation of those caught in the crossfire.
A triumph of storytelling and is a poignant exploration of the war between Ukraine and Russia
Brian Cotter
