Viktor (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[Wind blows]

[Breathing softly]

[String music shimmers]

[Deep male voice narrates]

I am speaking to you

in a voice I can't clearly hear myself.

The deaf are set aside.

Cast adrift.

Out of touch with the hearing world.

I wanted to be a warrior

but maybe I was just fooling myself.

[Ominous strings music]

[Microwave beeps in distance]

[Beeping stops]

[Cat meows, then purrs]

[Shutter clicks]

[Shutter clicks]

[Shutter clicks]

[Ambient muffles]

[Rustle]

[Squealing feedback]

[Muffled vocalization]

[Muffled vocalization]

Since you left, Dad,

my world is small. Sensitive.

As a photographer,

I see it like black and white film.

[Metal squeaks, clangs]

[Dog barks in distance]

[Birds squawk, a rooster crows]

[Female voice on TV] The Russian border

is only 40km away.

And there is no panic.

Normal working hours for

a normal working day.

Everyone is in a hurry to go

about their business.

And the vast majority of Kharkiv

residents we spoke to today remain calm.

[Female voice 2] I hope

everything will be fine.

Our mayor has just assured us of this.

So we hope that everything will be fine.

MIYAMOTO MUSASHI

'The Strategy of the Samurai'

Okay Mom, I'm going to work.

Bye. Text me later.

[Birds squawk]

[String music creeps in]

I would like to pursue

my photography career

but finding work is tough

because of my deafness.

Watch out!

[Indistinct chatter]

[Ambient muffles]

[Worker] Drill the next hole.

The next hole!

Do the next one!

Here?

Watch out. There's a cord there.

Drill Viktor, drill.

[Ambient becomes clear;

Driller whirs]

[Worker] Press it.

[Worker 2] Hold.

Forget it.

We need to move a little closer.

[Muffled] Viktor, give me a hammer!

[Tram screeches]

[Indistinct PA announcement]

[Horns honk]

[Church bell rings]

[Viktor, deep voice]

Dad, you gave me the military spirit.

You told me w*r stories,

got me obsessed

with military weapons and techniques.

[Muffled water drizzling]

[Reporter on TV] Kharkiv mayor

Igor Terekhov

said in an interview with

the Washington Post.

[Mayor] In the city of Kharkiv,

a Ukrainian city,

the vast majority speak Russian.

But we are all part

of an integral Ukraine,

and we'll all stand in

defense of the city of Kharkiv.

[Ambient muffles;

TV chatter continues]

[Commotion on TV;

Horse neighs]

[Viktor] Maybe you taught me all this

because you dreamt of seeing how your son

would become

the Ukrainian Miyamoto Musashi?

[Dialogue in Japanese on TV]

[Haunting music]

Maybe all of your teaching led me to this?

[Music continues]

[Music fades]

What an amazing performance.

The way they're acting, how they do it...

Indescribable.

I've heard there were several cameras,

and the actors didn't know

which one was filming.

An actor had to become

a sa-mu-ra-i himself.

What do you mean?

Well, like,

they had to learn everything...

and be able to have the skills.

To be able to fight.

- Well, it is Japan.

- So what?

- You think everyone there is an actor?

- They are actors.

[Grunting on TV]

[Barking in distance]

[Air raid siren wails]

[expl*si*n in distance]

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[Siren continues wailing in the distance]

[Mother] How will you sit?

Give me that jacket.

Hold on...

[Distant explosions and rumbling]

[Siren continues wailing]

[Low rumbling, jars rattle on shelves]

[Siren continues]

Do you have reception here?

I wonder how everything is outside.

[Distant expl*si*n]

I don't have a signal.

Let's stay until it's quieter.

[Low rumble continues]

[Distant expl*si*n]

[Dog whimpers]

[Man screams in agony]

[People exclaiming]

[Screaming continues]

[Distant expl*si*n]

[Loud expl*si*n]

[Soldier's radio beeps]

[Reporter on TV] Russian occupants

are shelling civilians.

Multiple rocket launcher

systems hit a kindergarten.

Three civilians were k*lled, seventeen

children were wounded,

three in serious condition

A territorial defense headquarters

has been set up

in the regional state administration.

Hundreds of men come here, ready to defend

the Kharkiv region with arms in hand.

[Male voice on TV] We are ready

to do anything to expel

the occupiers and invaders

from our motherland Ukraine.

[Tape scratches]

[Ambient muffles]

[Birds sing]

[Dogs bark in background]

[Distant explosions]

[Distant expl*si*n]

[Distant explosions]

[Crows caw]

[Muffled distant expl*si*n]

[Low rumble in the distance,

deep vibration]

[Deep, ominous music]

[Music stops]

[Clock ticks]

[Viktor] When I hold my katana,

I feel protected.

I am powerful.

But in the end, it is just a toy.

The pie you've made is delicious.

Hm. OK.

- It's tasty.

- Enjoy it.

- Do you want your dinner?

- Huh?

No, thank you.

[Clock ticks]

[Viktor narrating] When I was young,

I tried to be a soldier.

They wouldn't let me because I'm deaf.

[Grunts;

Thud]

[Birds singing]

[Air raid siren starts]

[TV news chatter in background;

Clock ticking]

[Male voice on TV] Thank you

for risking your lives every day.

It's hard, and we know it.

You are real Ukrainian heroes.

What we are worth

and what we are capable of.

We are the defense forces of Ukraine,

and we are unstoppable.

[Epic music on TV]

Let's go to victory together.

[Clock ticks]

[Crows cawing, dog barking]

[Doctor] How long ago

did you lose your hearing?

After I turned 5.

[Muffled reply]

I don't know.

My mom told me I had ear cancer.

Why do you want to join

the armed forces?

People die there.

The soldiers are fighting,

everyone is fighting.

I, too, must defend my country.

[Muffled reply]

[Viktor grunts softly]

Thank you.

[Cacophony of sirens blaring,

trucks rattle, people chatter]

[Men yelling indistinctly]

[Indistinct shouting;

Debris rattling]

[Indistinct chatter;

Sirens wail]

Get the stretcher!

[Indistinct chatter]

[Muffled ambient;

Sirens wail]

[Ambient fades to silence]

[Birds chirp]

[Distant dogs bark]

[Rooster crows in distance]

[Foreboding Japanese drums]

[Katana whooshes]

[Dog barks]

[Wind blows, leaves rustle]

[Distant train shrieks;

Forklift approaches, purrs]

[Beeping]

[Fly buzzes]

[Wind gusts]

[Ominous music;

Flies buzz]

[Buzzing continues]

[Buzz crescendoes]

[Silence;

Wind blows softly]

I'm not good at it,

so just don't shout.

- So just don't shout at me.

- What?

Okay, just hold still.

Just leave some.

OK, I know, I know.

I know.

- It's too short.

- Calm down, I know.

Too short.

No, it's not too short.

[He murmurs]

[Viktor] Mom wants me to to do

something useful for other deaf people.

But can that be all I'm capable of?

He can do all the deliveries

on an ongoing basis.

I'm sorry, but transportation

is not working,

how will deaf people

gather at one place?

I will call the driver

and we will make arrangements

for tomorrow.

He can bring the food to everyone,

but only five spots a day...

- To everyone in the same day?

- No!

Only five spots a day.

He can't drive all over the city.

Hey, do you remember the street

where everyone usually meets?

Why don't we meet there?

Yeah, I know the spot.

I'll let the others know.

[Plastic rustling]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Distant construction rattle]

[Sparse, melancholic strings music]

[Music grows richer]

[Birds chirp;

Music continues]

[Distant expl*si*n]

[TV news chatter in background]

[Music fades out]

[Viktor] I have become a volunteer

photographer for our army.

Of course I am not taking part in battle,

but at least I'm doing something,

I am helping in some way,

so you can be proud, father.

[Music returns, dramatic]

They invited me to the training range

to document how soldiers

prepare for w*r.

[Muffled male voice] Smells burnt.

Fresh airstrikes.

[Muffled ambient]

[Shutter clicks]

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nsh*t]

[Muffled g*nf*re]

[Soldiers chatter;

Electronic music plays]

[Lively chatter and laughter]

[Glasses clinking]

A badly injured soldier

was taken out today.

And another one yesterday.

He was wearing a helmet.

And after the expl*si*n, he was

bleeding, and he was all foggy.

He was badly concussed.

Because when we got there,

he started shaking,

vomiting, feeling sick.

[Muffled chatter]

- Is he one of ours, is he a Kraken?

- Yes.

[Muffled conversation continues]

M-4? Weapon. Ukrainian.

Can I hold it?

- 5.56 caliber.

- Hm-hm.

The a*mo...

How do you know sign language?

Don't be nervous.

- My friend's deaf.

- Your friend?

What's his name?

It was a long time ago.

The other way around.

- Can I touch the American r*fle?

- Yes, of course.

Ah, both eyes.

And where is the safety?

a*mo?

- Do you want to sh**t?

- sh**t?

- When the w*r's over.

- No, next time.

I don't mind,

but it depends on your time.

Tomorrow we can go sh**t together.

No rush.

That's better.

Here's a mirror.

A bit too tight.

[Muffled chatter]

[Muffled chatter and breathing]

[Feedback interference, rasp]

[Blade clinks]

[Japanese suspenseful music fades in]

[Music fades]

[Distant dog barks;

Crow caws]

[Birds caw]

[Indistinct chatter]

[g*nshots]

[In English] One minute.

Can I hold the "Kalashnikov"?

[Soldier] You can sh**t it.

f*ck, this can't be his

first time sh**ting.

Damn it.

Viktor, Viktor, here's an automatic.

This g*n is an automatic.

I understand that the hammer

needs to be pulled back?

[g*nsh*t]

[g*nshots]

- Are you sh**ting for the first time?

- [Viktor] What?

Are you sh**ting for the first time?

- Do I sh**t first time? Yes.

- I don't believe you.

I don't believe it.

Well, I read books.

I just have an instinct for it.

You are standing correctly.

You hold the weapon correctly.

- Am I standing correctly?

- Yes.

I read books, and I imagine

myself sh**ting.

The Stechkin p*stol was my first time,

and same for the American

r*fle and the Kalashnikov.

I'm in shock as well.

OK, enough...

[g*n c*ck]

[Muffled g*nshots]

[g*nf*re continues on TV]

[Indistinct TV dialogue]

[Muffled ambient]

[Muffled ambient continues, deep rumble]

[Muffled, distorted scream]

[Clock ticks]

Hi.

Hi Sergey,

It's Viktor, the photographer.

Can you help me, maybe

I can be useful to your squad?

[Distant expl*si*n]

Give me a cigarette...

A cigarette.

The lighter too.

I don't have mine.

[Muffled] You're a good man,

you could be a good fighter, but damn...

w*r is all about communication.

You're deaf, I can't take you.

It won't take long

for you to find something

useful to do at a time like this.

But I wanted to ask you...

As far as I understand,

they cannot always hear

your commands over the g*nf*re.

Well, yeah.

Even so there's no way for me to join?

No one has made that case to me before.

Do you work with

the a*tillery in your battalion?

Yes, of course.

But what if you were working

with deaf soldiers

and their job is just

to insert the shells?

But how am I supposed

to give you commands?

The a*tillery fire is so loud,

you can't hear anything.

How to give the order?

What if you wave a hand like this?

Oh [sighs], Viktor, damn it...

w*r is not everything in life...

Not at all.

Understood.

w*r is probably exciting for many.

But everything is real there,

and things aren't as romantic

as you might think.

Things aren't romantic at all.

I really tried.

I could do even more.

[Somber orchestral music fades in]

[Distant expl*si*n]

[Music turns deliberate, tense]

[Shutter clicks]

[Viktor] They tell me the front line

is no place for me.

[Music grows expressive]

But in this chaos,

why am I any different?

[Music gently shimmers]

[Music grows pensive]

[Music turns somber]

[Ominous music returns and swells]

[Tank rumbles, approaches]

[Soldier] ...he wanted to fight,

but he was not accepted

because he's deaf.

So he came here to volunteer,

as a photographer...

[Indistinct yelling]

[Distant explosions and g*nf*re]

[Viktor] I can lift it, it's not heavy.

[Soldier] Huh?

[Viktor, in Russian]

I thought it was heavier.

[In Ukrainian] These are

cumulative ammunitions,

- the fragmented ones are heavier.

- Fragmented?

The fragmented are heavier,

they are different...

these are cumulative.

[Massive expl*si*n]

[In Ukrainian] We have fragmented too,

they are lying out there.

[in Ukrainian] I want

some great photos from you.

- [In Russian] Who?

- [In Ukrainian] Photos from you.

[Ukrainian] Photos from you.

[In Russian] I didn't catch that.

[In Ukrainian] Photos from you.

[In Ukrainian] Don't understand?

[In Russian] The last word,

I understood 'photo'.

[In Ukrainian] From. You.

[In Russian] I didn't understand

the last word.

- [In Ukrainian] From. You.

- System?

- I can't hear well.

- I... From you. From you.

Listen, give me your photos,

- ...later. Yes.

- Oh, for you?

Well, of course,

From you.

I'm using an app, the photo will

be automatically sent to you.

You'll give me your number,

and I will send it to you.

Okay.

Instagram...

They won't be on Instagram.

[Viktor] Forgive me that I speak Russian.

- [Viktor] Are you from Lviv?

- No. Bila Tserkva.

- Huh?

- From Bila Tserkva.

- Mhm. Yes.

- Bila Tserkva!

[Distant expl*si*n]

[Indistinct chatter]

[Distant explosions]

[Soldier] Well, there's nothing

100% safe here of course.

Kharkiv was also bombed

every day, and I'm used to it.

- But it's still dangerous.

- What?

I said: It's still dangerous:

you're driving and then...

It's dangerous everywhere.

Yes.

[Explosions continue]

- Vova, down there in the basement.

- What?

- Down in the basement.

- I know.

[Door creaks]

- Since when?

- I didn't get it.

How long have we been sitting here?

Can you repeat?

- How long have you been in the basement?

- Since June of last year.

Since the 15th of June.

Why don't you want to

be evacuated, to leave?

[Woman] Where to? With what?

Our people are leaving.

They left, and they are crying.

But some of them came back.

They say it's better to be at home,

they came back with their children.

At home is better than in a foreign land.

Some people are nice to them,

and others despise them

because they are from here.

Is it our fault?

- Do you get humanitarian aid?

- A lot!

We have everything,

they brought clothes for

families with many children,

we picked them out,

and cleaning products, too,

small packages, for those who...

[Woman] We've survived so far.

[Viktor] Are you scared?

No?

You're so brave!

Be brave.

[Woman] Yes, we let him

go outside sometimes.

To the doorstep.

To stay on the doorstep, to breathe.

[Viktor] Where do you get water?

- What?

- Where do you get water?

Where do you get water?

- Where do you get water.

- At home.

- I have a well.

- Ah.

With that thing that sticks out.

That's where.

[Woman] How are we supposed to live here?

Until we die?

Maybe it will be over one day.

And we'll go back if we have

a place to go back to.

[Viktor] I understand.

To be left with nothing,

with only bags, like this.

I don't know...

This morning, everyone was in bed,

it was around seven o'clock.

I was lying there crying.

And my daughter-in-law said,

"Mom, why are you crying?

Don't think like that.

Imagine you had nothing left at all."

And I said, "What do you mean?"

"Well, you have us.

You have Vanya, you have us."

[She cries]

We're trying.

We're trying to hold on.

It's not working.

It hurts a lot.

[Clicks]

- Woo-hoo! Oh yeah!

- [Distant expl*si*n]

Yeah! Love it! I got the biggest

adrenaline rush out of that!

- Oh yeah!

- [Laughter]

[Indistinct chatter]

Oh sh*t, look at that blast!

- Can I ask you something?

- I know weapons.

I know it's a MK... right?

You customized it, right?

Yeah.

[In English] Yeah, grenade.

Good grenade.

First time I've held a grenade.

It's heavy.

Maybe they will let you throw it.

You can throw it.

Practice.

It's okay, it's not necessary.

We got lots...

It's good. Lot's of good work.

This is a good g*n actually.

[Distant g*nf*re]

Here you go.

It's a nice g*n.

It's got a nice reticle on it.

Very, very well designed g*n.

Comfortable.

Yeah, right?

It's one of my favorite g*ns. I like it.

[Soldier continues in English]

I wish my Google Translate worked.

So this, this one's a seven...

seven-six-two.

Ah, yes, yes.

No a*mo.

I have...

- Yeah, no a*mo.

- [Soldier 2] There's a*mo in there.

Yeah I cleared it. I cleared it.

[Soldier laughs]

It only works when Starlink's working.

Maybe use another phone?

Yeah, it's, it's bad internet.

Uh...

I will try with my hands.

You...

You.

- Home...

- Home.

Ukraine.

In Ukraine?

Yeah, I consider Ukraine a home.

Ukraine home now.

I'm from Canada but...

This is my home now.

I'm here to help out as much as I can.

So I understand it's, uh,

you're deaf, right?

How long?

5 years, 10 years,

how long ago did this happen?

My ear...

Antibiotic...

Oh, sick. Antibiotic.

Five.

Oh yeah, five, you were five.

Five. Five year, five.

Oh, you can't hear it that way, yes.

You cannot hear. Ah. Okay.

[Faint, ethereal music begins]

[Viktor] Silence is not emptiness.

It is not the absence of something.

It is the presence of the self,

and nothing else.

In this silence, I find my peace.

[Canadian soldier chuckles]

Serious face, yeah,

brutal, brutal soldier!

You look at the, look at the...

One sec, I'll look at it.

Go to the first floor.

There's a mirror downstairs.

[Clicks]

Okay, two minutes,

It'll run through,

it'll cool the system down.

And you'll be able

to see at a night vision.

Night vision is the most preferred vision.

Here you go, here.

f*ck if I understood any of that.

[Canadian soldier] Better to sit.

...or sit.

And you can go, on, like this...

You can do it like this.

Legs, legs.

But you have to make sure

the rocket is facing that way.

And the legs in that direction,

that's how it should be.

Because otherwise, burn.

It's hard to explain, do you understand?

I'll translate all this for you.

This, doesn't have to be used

just for tanks or helicopters,

It can be used for anti-personnel,

it's expensive

but you can use it for buildings...

[Soldiers cross-talk]

[Muffled chatter and static]

- Guys, boys and girls.

- Yes, yes, let's go.

Everyone, let's go.

You take a grenade launcher and

go-go-go, go ahead.

[Distant, faint creaking]

[Distant wind gusts]

[Muffled ambient]

[Warped ambient, static and interference]

[Cacophony of radio beeps

and interference]

[Loud expl*si*n]

[Indistinct whispering]

[expl*si*n and g*nf*re]

[expl*si*n]

[Drone whirs off]

The Russians are lighting up

the whole f*cking sky.

Wait a sec, they can see us.

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[Dark, ominous music]

[Helicopter whirring]

[Muffled cadence of propellers]

[Hip hop music plays over car stereo]

[Hip hop continues, muffled]

[Ominous music returns]

[Drone whirs]

They're laying low, aren't they?

I think they heard it.

But they aren't sh**ting.

f*ck.

Show me the thing. Where is it?

- What?

- That position.

Right there.

Just right there.

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[expl*si*n]

[Very loud expl*si*n, g*nf*re]

[Men shouting]

[g*nf*re rattling]

Let's get out of here.

[Indistinct yelling;

g*nf*re continues]

Ouch, my armpit hurts!

It f*cking hurts.

Give me a shot,

guys, I can't bear it.

- Rydiy!

- Yes!

Hold the hand.

[Medical equipment beeps;

Distant expl*si*n]

[Indistinct dialogue]

[Beeping intensifies]

[Distant explosions]

[Muffled ambient]

[Plucking of violin strings]

[Muffled music]

[Violin returns dramatically]

[Music stops]

Go!

[Muffled explosions]

[Massive blast]

[Foreboding music]

[Muffled] f*ck them with another round!

[Music continues;

Water drips]

[Music continues]

[Dog barks]

[Door creaks]

Mom, I missed you so much.

I'm doing great.

I had no doubt you'd do well!

I missed you so much, too.

Let's go inside the house.

During this w*r...

I don't know what dad would do.

Hello, how are you?

OK. How is your daughter? Good.

Since you've left, I've taken

a lot of photos.

Nothing has sold,

but...

I'm now authorized

to work as a photojournalist.

So now I'm cleared to work.

And you?

[Crowd chatter;

Electronic music plays]

[Ambient becomes muffled]

[Air raid siren blares]

[Air raid siren continues]

Hello.

Can you tell me please in which ward

is there a soldier who lost hearing?

In that ward.

Come in but don't stay long.

- That one?

- Yes, in that one.

Thanks.

[Door opens]

Hello.

- I can't hear.

- May I?

Yes, please.

My name is Viktor.

My name is Viktor!

My name is Ivan.

I can't hear.

I can hear a little, but...

it's getting worse,

I'm losing it.

I'm also deaf

I know how hard it is for you,

I know how hard it is for you

to lose your hearing in an instant

and find oneself in complete silence.

But deafness is not the end of you.

[Muffled] It is the beginning.

Now you will have to discover

the world without sound.

You will have to relearn the sound.

You may feel isolated now,

[Dramatic choir music;

Dialogue fades]

but you will be more independent

now than ever before.

You'll find new strength

you never knew you had.

[Soprano and choir continue fading in]

[Singing in Ukrainian continues]

[Song continues on headphones]

[Muffled: Only the vibrations

of the song remain]

[Distant chatter from TV]

[Faint, ethereal music;

Heartbeat]

[Music and heartbeat swell;

Static crackles]

[Rumbling crescendo]

[Silence;

Clock ticks]

[Blade clinks]

I dream of putting on

the armor of a Samurai.

And walking the silent streets

of an empty city.

And I walk alone.

[Japanese music begins]

[Music ends]