10 Best Movies about Ukraine

Ukraine is a country with a rich and complex history, diverse cultural heritage, and resilient spirit.

Learning about Ukraine is essential for understanding its unique contributions to the global community, as well as the geopolitical complexities that have shaped Eastern Europe.

By gaining insights into Ukraine’s past and present, one can develop a deeper appreciation for the challenges the nation has faced and the strength of its people.

One of the most effective ways to learn about a culture and its history is through the medium of movies.

Films have the power to transport viewers to different places and times, allowing them to witness pivotal moments and gain a better understanding of the context and emotions surrounding these events.

Movies that showcase Ukraine’s history and culture can help to bridge cultural gaps, fostering empathy and promoting a more nuanced understanding of the country.

Historical films, such as those mentioned below, offer a glimpse into Ukraine’s past, from the harrowing experiences of the Holodomor to the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers during World War II and the Russo-Ukrainian War.

These films not only educate viewers about important events but also humanize the struggles faced by Ukrainians, helping to build a connection with the characters and their stories.

Moreover, movies that explore the diverse cultural heritage of Ukraine, such as Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, can help to dispel stereotypes and promote a more authentic understanding of Ukrainian traditions, customs, and beliefs.

By showcasing the richness of Ukrainian folklore, art, and music, these films can inspire curiosity and encourage further exploration of the nation’s cultural treasures.

Best Movies About Ukraine

See below for a selection of films that touch upon different aspects of Ukrainian history and culture.

1. Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965)

A visually stunning film that delves into the Hutsul culture and folklore of the Carpathian Mountains in western Ukraine.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors With English Subtitles (Video)

2. Earth (1930)

A Soviet silent film that portrays the struggle of Ukrainian peasants against oppression and the push for collectivization during the early years of the Soviet Union.

Earth With English Subtitles (Video)

3. Guide (2014)

Set in the 1930s, the movie tells the story of an American boy in Ukraine who becomes an unwitting guide for a blind American engineer during the time of the Holodomor, the man-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians.

4. Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom (2015)

A powerful documentary that chronicles the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests in Kyiv, which led to the ousting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

5. Bitter Harvest (2017)

A historical drama that tells the story of two lovers struggling to survive the Holodomor, the Soviet Union’s forced famine in Ukraine.

6. The Undefeated (2000)

A drama set during the Ukrainian Insurgent Army’s struggle against both the Nazis and the Soviets during World War II.

7. The Guide (2014)

A historical drama about a young boy who becomes a guide for an American engineer during the Holodomor.

8. Haytarma (2013)

A historical drama based on the true story of Amet-Khan Sultan, a Crimean Tatar test pilot who becomes a hero in the Soviet Union during World War II, despite facing discrimination for his ethnicity.

9. Chervonyi (2017)

A historical drama based on the life of a Ukrainian insurgent, who was an anti-Soviet resistance fighter and later became a legendary figure in Ukrainian folklore.

10. Cyborgs: Heroes Never Die (2017)

A war drama that tells the story of the defense of Donetsk airport during the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, focusing on the Ukrainian soldiers who were nicknamed “cyborgs” for their resilience.

Heroes Never Die (Video)

Summary

Learning about Ukraine is crucial for fostering a better understanding of the nation’s history, culture, and geopolitical significance.

These above movies offer a glimpse into various aspects of Ukrainian history, from its rich cultural heritage to the struggles and conflicts that have shaped the nation.

Movies serve as an accessible and engaging medium for this purpose, offering a window into the lives and experiences of Ukrainians throughout history.

By delving into these cinematic portrayals, one can develop a deeper appreciation for Ukraine’s rich heritage and the resilience of its people, paving the way for greater empathy and cross-cultural understanding.