17 Extraordinary Movies Set In Ukraine That Will Inspire You To Visit!

Ukraine has a lot to offer for both national and international filmmakers. The country is known for its awe-inspiring architecture and beautiful and diverse landscapes. It is also well known for its rich and well-preserved culture. So it will come as no surprise that there are so many wonderful movies set in Ukraine.

We live in a time where conflicts of old have become relevant again. Things that the world at large thought we’d moved on from becoming the norm again. Namely, war. The tragic barrage of violence that plagues our history books has become quite real again. That’s why it’s also a time when history and memory become a key part of understanding the present.

As of today, many people have been born who will not remember the time when Ukraine wasn’t an independent country. Lots of these people are oblivious to the grievances that the Ukrainians have endured. It’s always been the responsibility of those who have come before to inform and to educate, to pass their stories onto the next generations.

For decades, cinema has played a key part in the construction of collective memory. Filmmakers have spent years documenting and capturing the world around them. These pictures, whether they be fictional or not, offer us a way to look at the past: we see what they saw through their own eyes. That means that we see what they wanted us to see. Yet the true value of cinema doesn’t come from a single film, but rather from the work of thousands of artists.

This list compiles some of the best films about Ukraine as a country and as a nation. As said before, each of them can only be a small window to look at this country. But, if you put them together, if you watch them all, you’ll get a clearer picture of what it’s happening in the world today. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll become familiar with what the Ukrainians are fighting for.

These films set in Ukraine have narratives that rely on their settings as much as their main protagonists, and as a result, spectators get a glimpse of this iconic country through the director’s eyes. To honor the concept of cinematic travel, we have also assembled lists of our favorite films shot in some of our all-time favorite travel destinations: Jamaica, Oregon, Edinburgh, Colombia, and Turkey.

Wondering where to watch? It depends on where you live in the world and which streaming services you have. We link to the streaming service we watch on in each case - be it Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, or elsewhere.

You can get one month free of Amazon Prime (or a 6-month trial for students) of Amazon Prime and also get immediate access to FREE Two Day shipping, Amazon Video, and Music. While you won't be charged for your free trial, you'll be upgraded to a paid membership plan automatically at the end of the trial period - though if you have already binged all these, you could just cancel before the trial ends.

Apple TV+ also has a one-week trial, and Hulu has a one-month trial (which can be bundled with Disney!). Another option might be using a VPN to access Netflix titles locked to other regions. Netflix is now available in more than 190 countries worldwide and each country has a different library and availability. US Netflix is (understandably) one of the best. 

While we wish everything could just be in one place - for now, it seems these are the best streaming platforms to watch on.

Chasing Two Hares [За двома зайцями] (1961)

Chasing Two Hares, by Viktor Ivanov, is a Soviet comedy film based on a play of the same name by Mykhailo Starytsky. It follows Svirid Petrovich Golokhvosty (Oleg Borisov), the unlucky owner of his barbershop. Having gone bankrupt, he decides to fix his affairs with a profitable marriage. By chance, he learns that for his ugly daughter Pronya Prokopovna (Margarita Krinitsyna), her father gives a substantial dowry.

Walking with his friend Vladimirskaya Gorka, he sees a beautiful girl Galya (Natalia Naum), and falls in love with her. He boasts to his friends that he will marry Pronya Prokopovna only because of the money, and he will start an affair with beauty on the side. One evening, having met Galya, Golokhvosty begins to pester her. At this moment, Galya’s mother, Seklet Limeriha (Nonna Koperzhinskaya), finds them and makes him swear to marry Galya against her daughter’s wishes.

The next day, Svirid Petrovich goes to visit the Serks and receives a blessing for marriage with Pronya Prokopovna. Returning from the bride, he accidentally runs into Sekleta and ends up on her name day. There, Sekleta informs her guests that Galya and Svirid are now a bride and groom. Galya runs straight from the engagement to her beloved Stepan and asks him for protection, he reassures her.

The wedding day comes, but Golokhvosty’s plans are not destined to come true: Sekleta’s girlfriends, who were present at the engagement of Svirid Petrovich and Galya, accidentally learn about his upcoming wedding with Pronya Prokopovna and inform Sekleta. She runs to the church and announces to those present that Svirid Petrovich has become engaged to her daughter, and he will marry Pron only because of a rich dowry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yEuN4zwDLo

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors [Тіні забутих предків] (1965)

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, by Serguéi Paradzhánov, is another of the best movies set in Ukraine also based on a story by the Ukrainian Mykhailo Kotsiubynsky. The film portrays in detail the culture of Ukraine’s Hutsul highlanders: the harsh Carpathian environment, the brutal rivalries between families, and the beauty of Hutsul traditions, music, costumes, and speech. It is included among the 100 best films of Ukrainian cinema.

In a Hutsul village in the Ukrainian Carpathians, the families of Ivan, of humble means, and Marichka, who is wealthy, profess a bitter enmity that is sealed when Marichka’s father kills Ivan’s father as he leaves the church.

The children, however, grow up together and as they grow up they plan to get married. Iván leaves to work in different trades and save for marriage, but in his absence, Marichka slips trying to rescue a lost lamb, falls into the river, and drowns. Returning, Iván finds her lifeless body and, devastated, buries her in the bush.

Following a busy solitary mourning period at work, Ivan is seduced by the young Palagna while she is shoeing a horse. They marry according to the Hutsul tradition and work in the fields, but their relationship soon sours due to Ivan’s obsession with the memory of Marichka.

Ivan’s distant attitude pushes Palagna to witchcraft in search of getting pregnant, while her husband begins to experience visions of her. Palanga forms a relationship with Yura, a sorcerer feared by the villagers who summons and drives away the storm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAz1nHKzmZg

The Lost Letter [Пропала грамота] (1972)

The Lost Letter, by Borys Ivchenko, is considered one of the best Ukrainian films ever. Based on a novella by the Russian novelist Nikolai Gogol, the movie follows a Cossack known as Vasyl (Ivan Mykolaichuk) who is sent on a mission to the capital of the Russian Empire. 

After the battle with the Burmans, the Cossack Vasyl returns home to Dykanka. But is interrupted by two messengers who bring news of a letter from the hetman (the commander of the region). It should be delivered to the Russian tsarina as soon as possible, otherwise, Vasyl will allegedly be executed, and the devil himself is hunting for the document. Vasyl asks the woman to sew a letter into his hat and sets out on his way.

The village headman, whose traitorous brother Vasyl killed, hires Kuts, a devil in human form, to take revenge. On the way, Vasyl comes across Kuts, who, not suspecting who he is, asks him for directions to Petersburg. He points the wrong way, but soon the Cossack is overtaken by the messengers who remembered something they had to tell him. Vasyl meets Andrey from Zaporizhzhia (Fedir Stryhun), with whom he travels further in the right direction.

By the end of the film, the Cossacks reach Petersburg and come to receive the tsarina. Potemkin, whom Vasyl suspects is the devil, assures her that the letter has no value, meanwhile, the audience ends and the Cossacks are driven away.

Vasyl slaps Potemkin, and he turns out to be a painting, and the tsarina turns out to be a baroness trying to con him. Disappointed by this deception of the evil power, the Cossacks leave and decide to shoot themselves. They are stopped by a stone that turns out to be Kuts and punished by the devil for help.

East/West [Est-Ouest] (1999)

East/West, by Régis Wargnier, is a French-Russian co-production that tells the story of one of the Russian ex-pats who came back to the country after Stalin promised them amnesty.

After World War II, Stalin recalls all compatriots who had fled to the West after the 1917 Russian Revolution to help rebuild the devastated motherland. So the émigré Alexei Golowinm is now returning home with his French wife Marie and their son Serjoscha. But as soon as they arrive in Odessa by ship, it turns out that Stalin only used his promises as an excuse to have the exiles murdered or put in labor camps.

As a doctor who seems too important to the Soviets, Alexei is housed with his family in a one-room apartment in Kyiv. From then on he works in the infirmary of a textile factory and is willing to come to terms with the regime to protect his family and to be exploited by the Soviets as a model returnee. However, Marie cannot endure the hardships of life in the USSR and desperately wants to go back to France, causing her and Alexej to become increasingly estranged.

Marie finally turns to the famous French actress Gabrielle Develay, who is currently in Kyiv on her tour. Marie wants to contact the French government through Gabrielle. But despite Gabrielle’s best efforts, Marie has to stay in the USSR.

Marie finally finds consolation with her 17-year-old neighbor Sascha. Sascha is an excellent swimmer. However, his attitude prevents him from being included in the national team. Since taking part in the European Championships in Vienna allows him to flee to the West, Marie encourages him to train harder.

The Tribe [Плем’я] (2014)

The Tribe, by Myroslav Slaboshpytskiy, is a very weird film where almost all of the characters are deaf children who communicate entirely in sign language and almost all of the characters were played by non-professional actors. It was the first Ukrainian film to be internationally released.

In September, a boy named Serhiy arrives at a boarding school for the hearing impaired. One of the students there wants to get to know him: he is King, the leader of the “Tribe”, a criminal organization that includes the residents of the boarding school and the teachers.

The King, having made sure that Serhiy does not suffer from drug addiction, assigns him a trial by fighting with the best of his men. He wins and is sent to the first case: a robbery. At the celebration of his successful performance, Serhiy meets Anya, who works as a prostitute in the King’s gang and is his concubine.

After Anya’s pimp dies in an accident, Sergey takes his place. He pays Anya to have sex with him and falls in love with her. After that, Anya becomes pregnant and spends Sergey’s stolen money on an abortion. Meanwhile, the King together with the labor teacher arranges with some sponsor to send Anya together with another prostitute Sveta to Italy as sex slaves.

They get a foreign passport, but when Serhiy learns about it, he takes Anna’s passport and tears it into pieces. The King and his men beat him until he loses consciousness. On the night of the same day, Serhiy kills the King and his henchmen while they sleep and leaves.

The Guide [Поводир] (2014)

The Guide, by Oles Sanin, is one of the best movies set in Ukraine that tells the story of American engineer Michael Shamrock (Jeff Burrell), who comes to Kharkiv with his young son, Peter (Anton Sviatoslav Green), to help bring socialism forward. Once there he meets Olga, an actress he falls in love with (Jamala), who has another admirer: Commissioner Vladimir (Aleksandr Kobzar).

When Michael dies in tragic circumstances, his son is left under the protection of a blind bard (Stanislav Boklan) who saves him from the murderers of his father. With no alternative to surviving in foreign territory, the young man acts as a guide for him.

The boy miraculously manages to escape from his pursuers—thanks to the blind bandurist Ivan Kocherza, who secretly travels in a freight car. Ivan guesses that they will look for the boy at the port where the train was headed, so he advises him to hide for a while.

Peter, however, gets off at one station where he is attacked by bullies. Ivan drives them away, fighting surprisingly skillfully. Meanwhile, Volodymyr is looking for Peter, continuing to court Olga. She understands that Volodymyr is behind the murder of Michael and asks to save the boy.

Peter becomes Ivan’s guide and learns that in the past he was the commander of a company of the UNR army, was wounded in the head, and went blind. He teaches Peter the trade of a conductor and tells him how bandurists were folk singers.

Both come to an old Cossack fortress, where other bandurists and their leaders are hiding. Ivan learns the news—they are planning to organize a congress of kobzars in Kharkiv and register them there. The other singers predict that this is a trap to kill them altogether. There is a raid on the fortress, but the police cannot find Peter, who manages to escape again.

Volcano (2018)

Volcano, by Roman Bondarchuk, examines the lives of people from the southern Ukrainian steppe who live in anarchic freedom, seemingly forgotten by the world through the character of Lukas, an interpreter stranded in the region he was supposed to help monitor for a security organization.

Lukas is a translator who takes three colleagues to the deserted countryside of the southern Ukrainian steppe to inspect military checkpoints near the Crimean border. But their car breaks down and due to the lack of cell phone coverage, Lucas goes looking for help but fails to find it. When he returns, he finds that the car has disappeared with his colleagues, even though he has the keys.

Vova picks up Lukas in a tanker car and brings him to a village overlooking the Kakhovka Reservoir. Lukas receives an invitation to a party in the student residence but loses his phone, money, and documents. Lukas reports the theft to the police but is put in jail and released on Vova’s bail. He then tries to leave town but is severely beaten by two men in camouflage clothing and left in a ditch, where he is rescued again by Vova.

Lukas is a reluctant guest at Vova’s house, though he dislikes his eccentricity, and needs his support in the village. As he adjusts to the chaotic freedom, Lukas becomes more fascinated by Vova and his flirtatious daughter Maruschka and begins to understand people through their collective past. Lukas joins Vova in one of the rich schemes, as he dives into a sunken village under the waters of the reservoir.

Klondike (2022)

Klondike, by Maryna Er Gorbach, tells a fictional story based on the real-life crash of the MH17. The idea for the film came after a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 17, was shot down on July 17, 2014. Although the plane crash in Ukraine was initially reported around the world, two years later the story disappeared from the media.

She wanted to tell a story about the plane crash from a local perspective. Klondike premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Dramatic Film Competition for directing. At the Berlin International Film Festival, it won second place in the Audience Award Panorama category.

The film’s director takes this idea and uses it to bring something new to life. During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Tolik’s family and the pregnant Irka live right on the border between the two warring countries. One wall of the house was already destroyed during the war which makes the outside of the house all the more visible.

But even when the village is taken by troops, Irka refuses to leave her home. To make things even worse, a Boeing plane is shot down near her location and crashes in the very same village. So, the family suddenly finds themselves at the center of an international air disaster.

Bitter Harvest (2017)

Bitter Harvest, by George Mendeluk, tells the story of two lovers who struggle to survive the famine in Ukraine in 1932. The film condemns the doings of Stalin, blaming the Holodomor on him. In case you weren’t aware, the Holodomor or the Great Famine struck most of the Soviet Union.

While some say that this happened because the country was suffering rapid industrialization that led to the people neglecting agriculture, some historians conclude that it may have been man-made. This means that the forces of Stalin caused the famine on purpose to debilitate and kill the poorer farmers in Ukraine and other areas of the Soviet Union.

The film is set in 1932 and follows Yuri, a Cossack-descendant artist, as he marries Natalka, his childhood sweetheart. His family has spent generations working the land, collecting grain and sunflowers than can be consumed or sold in the village. But when the army arrives at their doorstep due to Stalin’s collectivization campaign, they are forced to “donate” most of their harvest.

This isn’t the only way that the new regime changes Yuri’s life: he is prohibited from practicing his free-spirited art when communist instructors are instituted in his art school.

The film will see Yuri finding himself in a confrontation with a drunk Soviet captain who he ends up killing. He’s forced to leave the village before he can say his goodbyes to Natalka, his newlywed wife. His travels will take him throughout all of Ukraine, eventually reaching the place where Natalka is waiting for him.

Donbas (2018)

Donbas, directed by Sergei Loznitsa, is a thought-provoking and gripping film that delves into the complexities of the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Loznitsa, known for his powerful and socially relevant films, is a Ukrainian filmmaker with a distinguished career in documentary and fiction films.

The film features a talented cast of actors who deliver compelling performances. Among them are non-professional actors who bring authenticity to the story. The film’s plot follows a series of vignettes set in Eastern Ukraine, exploring the lives of ordinary people caught in the crossfire of the conflict. Through a series of interconnected stories, Loznitsa sheds light on the impact of war on civilians, the breakdown of social order, and the erosion of humanity in a conflict zone.

What makes Donbas special is its raw and unflinching portrayal of the human cost of war. Loznitsa masterfully captures the everyday struggles, moral dilemmas, and emotional toll of living in a war-torn region. The film’s stark visuals, evocative sound design, and minimalist storytelling create a haunting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

The film offers a nuanced depiction of Ukraine, shedding light on the complexities of the conflict beyond the usual political narratives. It explores the effects of propaganda, the erosion of trust among people, and the blurred lines between truth and manipulation. The film prompts reflection on the cyclical nature of violence and the cost of hatred.

Donbas is a powerful and timely film that offers a profound exploration of the human condition in a war zone. With its stellar direction, powerful performances, and thought-provoking narrative, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of the Ukrainian conflict and the impact of war on civilians.

Homeward (2019)

Homeward is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film directed by Nariman Aliev, a Ukrainian filmmaker. Aliev, known for his exceptional storytelling and unique cinematic style, has made a name for himself in the Ukrainian film industry with his thought-provoking films that shed light on the human condition and cultural nuances.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including actors Arif Huseynov, Remzi Bilyalov, and Mila Sivatskaya. The performances are raw and powerful, bringing the characters to life with authenticity and depth.

The plot follows a Crimean Tatar father and his two sons who embark on a journey to find their missing son/brother after he goes missing during a Russian military operation in Crimea. The film weaves together themes of family, love, and resilience, while also exploring the challenges faced by the Crimean Tatar community in Ukraine.

Homeward offers a nuanced representation of the lives of the Crimean Tatar community. Aliev sensitively captures the struggles, hopes, and dreams of the Crimean Tatar people, who have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history. The film sheds light on their culture, traditions, and the complexities of their identity, providing a unique perspective on Ukrainian history and contemporary society.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, with stunning landscapes and visually striking sequences that immerse the audience in the story. The score is also noteworthy, elevating the emotional impact of the film.

Homeward is a captivating film that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Nariman Aliev’s masterful direction, along with the powerful performances of the cast, and its insightful portrayal of Ukraine and its Crimean Tatar community, make it a must-watch for cinephiles who appreciate thought-provoking and visually compelling films.

My Thoughts Are Silent (2019)

My Thoughts Are Silent is a whimsical and offbeat Ukrainian comedy-drama film directed by Antonio Lukich. Lukich, known for his unique storytelling style, brings a fresh perspective to Ukrainian cinema with this film, which serves as his feature debut.

The film stars Serhiy Frolov, a talented Ukrainian actor, in the lead role of Vadim, a young sound engineer who embarks on a quirky journey to record the sounds of nature for a Japanese video game. The film also features Yulia Peresild, a renowned Russian actress, as Vadim’s eccentric and unpredictable mother, and Andriy Lidagovskiy as Vadim’s comical sidekick.

The plot follows Vadim as he travels across Ukraine in a rusty Soviet-era van, encountering various eccentric characters along the way, and facing his personal demons. The film masterfully weaves elements of comedy, drama, and surrealism, creating a unique cinematic experience that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

One of the film’s notable strengths is its representation of Ukraine. Through Vadim’s journey, the film showcases the country’s diverse landscapes and cultural nuances, capturing both the beauty and challenges of contemporary Ukrainian society. The film also subtly touches upon issues such as generational gaps, economic struggles, and the changing face of Ukraine’s rural communities, adding depth and social commentary to its storytelling.

What sets My Thoughts Are Silent apart is its quirky and unconventional approach to storytelling. Lukich’s directorial vision, coupled with Frolov’s compelling performance, creates a captivating and heartfelt exploration of self-discovery, family, and the pursuit of dreams.

My Thoughts Are Silent is a refreshing and original film that pushes the boundaries of Ukrainian cinema. Its unique storytelling style, outstanding performances, and engaging plot offers a memorable cinematic experience.

Land of Oblivion (2011)

Land of Oblivion is a poignant and evocative film directed by Michale Boganim that tells the story of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and its aftermath. Boganim, a French-Israeli filmmaker, is known for her unique perspective on cultural identity and displacement, having grown up in Israel and then moving to France. Land of Oblivion marks her foray into exploring the impact of the Chernobyl disaster on Ukraine, a country deeply affected by the event.

The film’s plot revolves around the events following the explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986. It follows the life of Anya (Kurylenko), who was just a child when the disaster occurred and is now a young woman living in the contaminated zone. As she grapples with the physical and emotional repercussions of the disaster, the film delves into themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.

What sets Land of Oblivion apart is its honest and sensitive portrayal of Ukraine and its people. The film depicts the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian community as they continue to live in the shadow of the Chernobyl disaster, facing the harsh realities of radiation poisoning, displacement, and societal upheaval. Boganim’s direction skillfully captures the desolate and haunting landscapes of the contaminated zone, starkly contrasting the idyllic Ukrainian countryside.

Land of Oblivion is a compelling and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the long-term impact of the Chernobyl disaster and its effects on Ukraine and its people. Its powerful performances, poignant storytelling, and stunning visuals make it a standout film. Highly recommended for those interested in historical dramas and human resilience in the face of adversity.

Battle for Sevastopol (2015)

Battle for Sevastopol is a war drama film directed by Sergey Mokritsky, a Ukrainian director known for his visually stunning films. Mokritsky started his career as a cinematographer and has won numerous awards for his work. Battle for Sevastopol is one of his most acclaimed directorial efforts.

The film stars Yulia Peresild as Lyudmila Pavlichenko, a real-life Soviet sniper who fought during World War II. Peresild delivers a powerful performance, capturing the strength, courage, and vulnerability of Pavlichenko, who becomes a legend on the battlefield. Other notable performances include Evgeniy Tsyganov as Lyudmila’s love interest and Nikita Tarasov as her fellow soldier.

The film tells the story of Pavlichenko’s journey from a young girl in Ukraine to a highly decorated sniper in the Soviet army. The plot revolves around her struggles, both on and off the battlefield, as she faces sexism, discrimination, and loss during the war. The film portrays the horrors of war and the toll it takes on those who fight, while also showcasing the indomitable spirit and resilience of the human soul.

The film captures the Ukrainian culture, language, and landscapes, providing a unique perspective on the country’s role in World War II. It portrays the Ukrainian people’s bravery and sacrifice in the face of adversity, highlighting their contribution to the war effort.

Battle for Sevastopol is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film that offers a gripping portrayal of a remarkable historical figure and the challenges faced by Ukraine during World War II. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in war dramas, history, and strong female protagonists. 

Mr. Jones (2019)

Mr. Jones is a gripping and thought-provoking film directed by Agnieszka Holland, a renowned Polish filmmaker known for her powerful storytelling and exceptional directorial skills. Holland has an illustrious career in cinema, having been nominated for an Academy Award and having won numerous awards for her previous works. Her ability to tackle complex historical and political subjects with depth and sensitivity is again evident in Mr. Jones.

The film stars James Norton as Gareth Jones, a Welsh journalist who travels to Ukraine in the early 1930s to uncover the truth about the Soviet Union’s forced famine known as the Holodomor. Norton delivers a compelling performance, capturing the determination and courage of Jones as he faces immense danger to uncover the horrific truth behind the government-sanctioned genocide. The supporting cast, including Vanessa Kirby and Peter Sarsgaard, also delivers outstanding performances, adding depth and emotion to the story.

The plot of Mr. Jones is based on true events, shedding light on a dark chapter in history that is often overlooked. The film provides a harrowing portrayal of the brutalities of the Holodomor, and the devastating impact it had on the Ukrainian people. Holland’s skillful direction and the exceptional performances by the cast make the film a powerful and emotional viewing experience.

One of the highlights of Mr. Jones is its representation of Ukraine, its culture and history of Ukraine, while shedding light on the atrocities committed during the Holodomor. The stunning cinematography and meticulous attention to detail in recreating the era add to the film’s authenticity.

Mr. Jones is a remarkable film that offers a poignant and compelling depiction of a tragic historical event. Agnieszka Holland’s masterful direction, along with the outstanding performances of the cast, makes this film a must-watch. Its representation of Ukraine and the Holodomor is moving and important, shedding light on a little-known chapter of history.

Chernobyl Diaries (2012)

Chernobyl Diaries is a horror film directed by Bradley Parker, who is known for his expertise in visual effects and his work on films such as Let’s Make a Deal (2009) and The Last Exorcism (2010).

The plot of Chernobyl Diaries revolves around a group of tourists who decide to explore the abandoned city of Pripyat, located near the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant. As they venture deeper into the city, they discover that they are not alone, and encounter horrifying and inexplicable events.

The film effectively creates a sense of isolation and dread, using the desolate setting of Pripyat to its advantage. The eerie atmosphere and the unknown dangers lurking in the radioactive wasteland make for a unique and terrifying horror experience.

One of the strengths of Chernobyl Diaries is its representation of Chernobyl. The film showcases the haunting aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, highlighting the eerie and otherworldly atmosphere of the abandoned city of Pripyat. The director, Bradley Parker, effectively uses the real-life location to create a sense of authenticity, making the setting a character in its own right.

The performances by the cast are commendable, with Jesse McCartney and Jonathan Sadowski delivering solid performances as the leads. The film’s visual effects are also noteworthy, adding to the overall eerie and unsettling atmosphere. The combination of the setting, plot, and performances creates a unique and chilling horror experience.

Chernobyl Diaries is a gripping horror film that effectively utilizes its setting and creates a sense of dread and unease. Bradley Parker’s direction, along with the cast’s strong performances, adds to the film’s appeal. Its representation of Ukraine and the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster adds a layer of authenticity to the story. If you are a fan of horror films that offer a unique and chilling experience, then Chernobyl Diaries is a must-watch.

Atlantis (2019)

Directed by Valentyn Vasyanovych, Atlantis is a gripping and visually stunning film that takes viewers on a haunting journey through post-apocalyptic Ukraine. Vasyanovych, known for his expertise in cinematography, brings his artistic vision to the forefront, delivering a thought-provoking and visually arresting film that lingers long after the credits roll.

The film stars Andriy Rymaruk, Liudmyla Bileka, and Vasyl Antoniak in the lead roles. Rymaruk delivers a standout performance as the protagonist, Sergiy, a former soldier struggling to find meaning in a desolate world. Bileka and Antoniak also shine in their roles, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.

The plot of Atlantis centers around Sergiy as he navigates the aftermath of a devastating war in Ukraine. The film paints a grim and stark picture of a decaying society, where nature has taken over and remnants of war are everywhere. As Sergiy grapples with his personal demons, he forms an unlikely connection with a group of survivors, leading to events that challenge his beliefs and perception of reality.

Atlantis provides a stark portrayal of the aftermath of war and its impact on the people and the land. It touches on themes of trauma, resilience, and the search for meaning in a broken world, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by those who have experienced the devastation of war.

Atlantis is a powerful and evocative film that leaves a lasting impression. Valentyn Vasyanovych’s direction, combined with the exceptional performances of the cast, the striking visuals, and the thought-provoking story, make it a standout entry into contemporary Ukrainian cinema.

Despite its somber tone, Atlantis is a must-watch for film enthusiasts who appreciate visually arresting and emotionally resonant cinema that challenges societal norms and explores the human condition.