Top Ukrainian Movies and Series to Watch This Year
By John Brown
Ukrainian movies and series are worth your time. Check out these five titles if you’re looking for something different to watch.
Before we dive in, note that streaming these movies and series on official streaming platforms helps support Ukrainian directors. If purchasing a subscription seems costly, fast payday loans might come in handy.
Platforms such as GetCash.com prove helpful when it comes to taking out loans. Borrowers fill out a secure online loan application and get matched with vetted lenders within 24–48 hours.
Now, without further ado, let’s learn about the must-watch Ukrainian movies and series to watch this year.
Servant of the People
The series follows Vasyl Holoborodko, played by Ukraine’s real-life President Volodymyr Zelensky, who unexpectedly becomes the country’s president after a video of him criticizing high-level corruption goes viral. While struggling to deal with the immense pressure that comes with being the head of state, Holoborodko also has to deal with his personal life — including his wife and young son.
Overall, it is an excellent watch for anyone interested in Ukrainian politics or simply looking for a good comedy series.
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom is a documentary film that was released on Netflix in October 2015.
The film covers the 2013–2014 Ukrainian Revolution, also known as Euromaidan, which resulted in the overthrow of former President Viktor Yanukovych.
Through a series of interviews with activists, protesters, and ordinary citizens, the film paints a picture of the incredible courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people during a time of great turmoil.
Rhinoceros
Netflix has acquired this film by Ukrainian director Oleh Sentsov planning its release for May 23rd, 2022. It follows the story of a former young bandit “Rhinoceros,” who recalls and reflects on his past in the 90s. The main hero reflects on the sense of purpose and tries to understand what he is ready for.
The work on the film started back in 2013 when the State Cinema of Ukraine allocated 3.9 million UAH for its creation. However, because of the illegal imprisonment of its director by Russia, the plan’s implementation was halted.
Stop-Zemlia
If you want to gain insight into Ukrainian youth, Stop-Zemlia is your go-to. It follows the story of Masha, an introverted high-schooler who sees herself as an outsider unless she spends time with Senia and Yana, who happen to share her non-conformist status. Navigating an intense and eventful time of the pre-graduation year, Masha falls in love, which makes her leave her comfort zone.
Kateryna Gornostai, the movie’s director and a debutant in Ukrainian cinematography, tells a deeply personal story about the patience required for self-discovery. To put it briefly, it’s an exquisite depiction of the unsettling feeling of being young.
The Guide
A blind minstrel Ivan and American boy Peter are bound by fate amidst the turbulent mid-1930s Soviet Ukraine. Peter’s father, an American engineer, is killed for acquiring secret documents about the repressions, now hidden in Peter’s book.
The boy escapes from the police with a blind kobzar (Ukrainian folk minstrel), Ivan Kocherga. The minstrel helps Peter grow up and survive. He tells Peter stories that make him believe there can be a different reality from what he sees around him.
Author’s bio:
John is a financial analyst but also a man of different interests. He enjoys writing about money and giving financial tips, but he can also dive into relationships, sports, gaming, and other topics. Lives in New York with his wife and a cat.
