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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
Independence Day is a good excuse to remember that Ukrainian cinema has long learned to speak about freedom not only in solemn speeches. All of these films share one theme: ordinary people face a choice — accept their circumstances or resist. And, as history shows, the second option is usually more interesting for cinema.
In this selection from 24 Channel — adventure blockbusters, war dramas, historical films. Yes, Ukrainian filmmaking can sometimes surprise even without special effects.
"Dovbush"
Starring: Serhiy Strelnikov, Oleksiy Hnatkovskyi, Dariya Plakhtiy.
Oles Sanin’s large-scale film tells the story of the legendary opryshky leader Oleksa Dovbush, who in the 18th century led the Hutsuls’ struggle against the Polish nobility.
At the center of the plot is not only a folk hero but also a man with his own fears, love, losses, and difficult decisions. Together with his comrades, Dovbush opposes those who are used to treating others’ freedom as their own territory.
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"Dovbush" became one of the most large-scale Ukrainian film projects: the film’s budget was 120 million UAH, filming lasted almost five years, and about 3000 specialists were involved. More than 1000 costumes were created for the film and over 20 locations were built.
The premiere, which was supposed to take place in 2022, was postponed because of the full-scale invasion. Ultimately the film was released in theaters on 24 August 2023 — on Ukraine’s Independence Day.
"Dovbush": watch the trailer
"24"
Watch "24" on 24 August at 20:00 on ICTV2.
Starring: Oleksandr Formanchuk, Kostyantyn Koretskyi, Olga Sumskaya, Anastasiia Korol, Yevhen Yefremov and others.
The war thriller tells the story of the events of 25 November 2018, when Russian forces captured Ukrainian ships and took their crews prisoner.
Ukrainian sailors ended up in Russian captivity, where they spent 286 days. They were subjected to psychological pressure intended to break them and force them to renounce their convictions.
The film focuses not only on combat events but also on human dignity and the ability to remain oneself even when circumstances leave literally no room for choice.
"24": watch the trailer
"Inglorious Serfs"
Starring: Roman Lutskyi, Serhiy Strelnikov.
Here Ukrainian cinema decided not to limit itself to a historical drama and added a samurai to the mix.
At the center of the plot are the young Taras Shevchenko and the Japanese samurai Akayo. One wants to free his beloved, the other seeks revenge on his lord. In the end their paths cross, and the samurai teaches Shevchenko the martial arts.
Thus begins an alternate version of Ukrainian history, where Shevchenko not only writes poetry but also confidently takes up arms.
The film combines adventure, action, and irony, so it’s suitable for those who want to talk about Ukrainian history without the mandatory tragic expression on their face throughout the viewing.
"Inglorious Serfs": watch the trailer
"Zakhar Berkut"
Starring: Robert Patrick, Tommy Flanagan, Andriy Isaienko, Oleh Voloshchenko, Alina Kovalenko and others.
The screen adaptation of Ivan Franko’s novella takes the viewer to the 13th century, when the residents of a Carpathian village face the threat of a Mongol invasion.
The main character Zakhar Berkut, together with his sons and fellow villagers, understands a simple but uncomfortable truth: alone they have little chance against a much stronger enemy. So the community devises a plan that exploits the advantage of the local terrain.
But, as is common in good historical cinema, the problem is not only the enemies. Inside the community there are people ready to sacrifice others for their own gain.
The film combines large-scale battle scenes, Carpathian landscapes, and a story about the unity of people who refuse to give their future to someone else’s will.
"Zakhar Berkut": watch the trailer
"Myrnyi-21"
Starring: Andrii Saminin, Maksym Devizorov, Pavlo Li, Viktor Zhdanov, Mariia Shtofa and others.
Another story based on real events. This time — June 2014 and the Luhansk region.
Russian occupiers try to force Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms and switch to their side. Commander Serhiy Deineko and his fighters face a choice that is hard to call a real choice: betray their oath or engage in battle with forces that significantly outnumber them. They choose to resist.
"Myrnyi-21" depicts the early years of the Russo-Ukrainian war and reminds that the struggle for freedom began long before 24 February 2022.
"Myrnyi-21": watch the trailer
By the way, this fall the Ukrainian cinema release "Dovzhenko. The First Glance" will come out — a film about the young Oleksandr Dovzhenko and his first steps in film.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Кіно, що надихає: ТОП-6 українських фільмів, які варто подивитися до Дня Незалежності". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: Channel 24.
