The Invisible Fight (Estonian: Nähtamatu võitlus) is a 2023 internationally co-produced action comedy film directed by Rainer Sarnet.[1] Set in the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic during the 1970s, the film stars Ursel Tilk as a would-be kung fu fighter.[2]
| The Invisible Fight | |
|---|---|
| Estonian | Nähtamatu võitlus |
| Directed by | Rainer Sarnet |
| Screenplay by | Rainer Sarnet |
| Produced by | Katrin Kissa |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Mart Taniel |
| Edited by | Jussi Rautaniemi |
| Music by | Koshiro Hino |
Production company | Homeless Bob Production |
Release date | |
Running time | 115 minutes |
| Countries | |
| Language | Estonian |
At the 2024 Estonian Film and Television Awards, The Invisible Fight won the most prizes of the night, with a total of nine awards including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Scriptwriter.[3]
Premise
editFeeling alienated by conformist Soviet society, heavy metal fan Raphael encounters an underground society of Eastern Orthodox monks who practice kung fu.[2]
Cast
edit- Ursel Tilk as Raphael
- Ester Kuntu as Rita
- Indrek Sammul as Nafanail
- Kaarel Pogga as Irinei
- Sepa Tom as Melhisedek
- Rain Simmul as Big Hat
- Tiina Tauraite as Marfa
- Mari Abel as Zinaida
- Maria Avdjuško as Mother
- Marika Barabanštšikova as Lady
- Rein Oja as KGB agent
- Ekke Märten Hekles as Rudolf
Production
editKatrin Kissa of Homeless Bob Production produced The Invisible Fight, which was co-produced with White Picture, Neda Film, and Helsinki-Filmi.[4]
Release
editThe Invisible Fight premiered on 11 August 2023 in the Concorso Internazionale section of the 76th Locarno Film Festival.[1] Later that year, the film screened at Fantastic Fest and the Sitges Film Festival.[4] The film was acquired for North American distribution by Kino Lorber.[4][5]
Reception
editCritical reception
editOn the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 57% of 14 critics' reviews are positive.[6]
Accolades
edit| Award | Ceremony date | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locarno Film Festival | 12 August 2023 | Golden Leopard | The Invisible Fight | Nominated | [1] |
| Estonian Film and Television Awards | 12 April 2024 | Best Film | The Invisible Fight | Won | [3] |
| Best Director | Rainer Sarnet | Nominated | [3] | ||
| Best Scriptwriter | Won | [3] | |||
| Best Actress | Ester Kuntu | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Actor | Ursel Tilk | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Original Music | Koshiro Hino | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Production Design | Jaagup Roomet | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Editing | Jussi Rautaniemi | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Costumes | Jaanus Vahtra | Won | [3] | ||
| Best Make-up | Anu Konze | Won | [3] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Nähtamatu võitlus". Locarno Film Festival. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ a b Nicholson, Amy. "'The Invisible Fight' Review: Iron Fist vs. Iron Curtain". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "The Invisible Fight and Smoke Sauna Sisterhood Share Estonian Film Awards for 2023". Film New Europe. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ a b c Wiseman, Andreas. "Estonian Heavy Metal Kung-Fu Comedy 'The Invisible Fight' Gets North American Deal, Watch Teaser". Deadline. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "The Invisible Fight". Kino Lorber. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "The Invisible Fight". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 20 August 2024.