O behold – Tallinn’s burning. Tallinn’s burning.

In the Soviet Union, the 1980s are awaited with promises from the great leaders of a coming Communist paradise. The reality, however, is far from it: poverty, shortages, ideological control, and relentless missile production to cope with the ever-looming threat of nuclear war. In the grim depths of stagnation, in late October 1982, a group of Soviet youths gather in Tallinn and form the punk band Velikije Luki. The band faces arrests, beatings, forced psychiatric treatments, and performance bans, yet they carry on, driven by alcohol-soaked courage and determination. Through a series of lucky coincidences, their small acts of rebellion help set in motion events that eventually contribute to the Soviet Union’s downfall.

Director Indrek Spungin’s wild documentary presents to the audience the entire story of the legendary Velikije Luki in its full beauty and madness – and of how Estonia tore free from the grips of the Soviets.

Mikk Granström