Old Ukrainian films — the best classic movies in Ukrainian to watch.

Ukrainian cinema is developing and has always had its unique motives. Even when Ukrainian culture was being destroyed, films were regularly released. This is where the resilience of Ukrainians was expressed. 

That is why old Ukrainian films deserve attention. Furthermore, old films in Ukrainian can show that part of the culture that modern Ukrainians might have forgotten. However, there will be plenty to choose from. 

Top old Ukrainian films

Ukrainian cinema has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Old Ukrainian films, despite being created in a different era, remain relevant, profound in their content, and aesthetically expressive. They not only reveal the beauty and traditions of Ukrainian culture to modern viewers but also help to better understand the historical and social realities of that Time. These films are true gems of national cinema that everyone interested in the culture and art of Ukraine should watch.

Ukrainian cinema has its bright pages, despite the numerous historical challenges the country faced. Since the appearance of the first films and until the end of the Soviet era, many films were created that left a deep mark on world cinema. They cover various genres — from documentary cinema to dramas, from philosophical canvases to folklore stories. Many classic films not only became symbols of Ukrainian culture but also gained international recognition, showcasing the beauty and depth of national identity.

These films are worth watching not only for nostalgia but also to better understand the traditions, lifestyle, language, and worldview of the Ukrainian people. They reveal the uniqueness of Ukrainian culture, which, despite all challenges, is alive even now.

Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964)

«Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» is one of the most famous and significant films in the history of Ukrainian cinema, created by the genius director Sergei Parajanov. This film is considered a true masterpiece that combines poeticism, emotional depth, and drama against the backdrop of the unique Hutsul culture located in the majestic Carpathians. The storyline of the film is a tragic yet touching love story unfolding in a complicated world of traditions, beliefs, and nature.

The film impresses with its distinctive visual style, which has become iconic for all Ukrainian cinema. Vivid, rich colors, masterful use of light and shadow, as well as an authentic depiction of folk customs, rituals, and the life of the Hutsuls create a unique atmosphere that immerses the viewer in a genuine ethnographic world. Each frame in «Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» is a small piece of art, where artistic composition and symbolism intertwine with the living nature and human feelings.

This film is not just cinema but a poetic canvas that reveals the multifaceted nature of the human soul, its struggle between light and darkness, freedom and the limitations of tradition. It tells about the power of love that conquers even death and the inseparable connection of man with nature. Despite being released in 1964, its themes remain relevant today, as it makes us reflect on cultural identity, history, and our own roots.

«Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors» still inspires directors, artists, and filmmakers around the world and is also an essential part of film history and cultural studies curricula. This film proves that true art does not lose its power over time, but rather, with each passing year, it reveals new facets and meanings.

Earth (1930)

«Earth» by Alexander Dovzhenko is one of the greatest films not only in Ukrainian but also in world cinema. This silent film became a symbol of its era and a classic of the genre, as it masterfully reveals the life of a rural community during a period of radical social and political changes, particularly collectivization.

«Earth» is not just a story about a village and its inhabitants. It is a profound philosophical narrative that reflects the inseparable connection of man with the native land, its roots, traditions, and history. The film explores the cycles of life, death, and rebirth, emphasizing that the land is the source of life and the spiritual foundation that shapes and supports human identity.

Visually, «Earth» impresses with its sophistication and harmony. Dovzhenko's cinematography is marked by original composition, deep symbolism, and adept use of natural landscapes. Each frame is filled with meaning and emotion, allowing the viewer to feel not only the external world but also the internal state of the characters.

The film offers a broad panorama of social and cultural processes, while simultaneously focusing on human destinies, experiences, and hopes. It is a philosophical reflection on human existence, on the struggle for life and dignity in a constantly changing world. «Earth» is a story that inspires and teaches to value roots, respect nature, and cherish memories.

This film remains a source of inspiration for filmmakers, historians, and art enthusiasts who appreciate its complexity, depth, and unforgettable beauty.

Man with a Movie Camera (1930)

This experimental documentary film by Dziga Vertov is a true breakthrough in world cinema. «Man with a Movie Camera» is a visual diary of a Soviet city in the 1920s, depicting the lives of its residents in various situations—from the mundane to the ceremonial.

The film stands out with its innovative editing technique, dynamic framing, and vivid portrayal of everyday life at that time. Importantly, the film was created without actors or a script, which makes it unique.

Today, «Man with a Movie Camera» is considered one of the most important documentaries in world cinema. It is often analyzed in film courses and studied as a model of innovation.

Evening on Ivan Kupala (1968)

This film is an excellent example of Ukrainian ethnic cinema, immersing the viewer in the atmosphere of folk festivals and rituals. «Evening on Ivan Kupala» tells about the traditions and rituals associated with the oldest Ukrainian holiday of the summer solstice.

The film captivates with its music, poetic language, and picturesque landscapes. It shows how closely Ukrainians are connected to their land and nature.

Stone Cross (1968)

«Stone Cross» is a film based on the story by Vasyl Stefanik, which reveals deep psychological and social problems of peasant life. It is the story of a person who leaves their native land in search of a better fate but remains connected to it by invisible threads.

The film is rich in symbolism and evocative through its imagery. It is considered one of the best works of Ukrainian cinema that makes one ponder the value of roots and family.

The Lost Letter (1972)

«The Lost Letter» is one of the brightest comedies of the Soviet period, created by director Boris Ivchenko. The film is based on the work of Nikolai Gogol and reflects the vivid color of an 18th-century Ukrainian village. The protagonist, Cossack Ostap Veresay, finds himself in a tangled adventure related to the search for a lost letter that could save his native village from unjust authoritative decisions.

This film combines comedic situations with a deep satirical subtext. It showcases the flaws of bureaucracy, the absurdity of many governmental institutions, while also portraying the joyfulness and sharp wit of ordinary people. Although the events take place in the past, the issues raised by the film remain relevant today.

«The Lost Letter» features vibrant folk characters, colorful music, and lively language, making it not only entertaining but also a true cultural treasure. The film offers lightness and a good mood while prompting reflection on the essence of justice and the role of power.

Flights in Dreams and Reality (1982)

This film is one of the most famous works of director Roman Balayan. «Flights in Dreams and Reality» is a psychological drama that reveals the inner world of a person, their dreams, fears, and hopes. The protagonist is a test pilot who dreams of true freedom and inner peace but must overcome not only technical challenges but also personal psychological barriers.

The film touches on the search for the meaning of life, struggles with doubts, and difficult life choices. Its poetic atmosphere, filled with symbolism, allows the viewer to delve into their own thoughts and feelings.

Particular attention should be paid to the cinematographer's work and the musical arrangement that create a tense yet dreamlike mood. «Flights in Dreams and Reality» is a film about the fragility of the human soul and the desire to reach the sky as a symbol of freedom.

White Bird with a Black Mark (1970)

«White Bird with a Black Mark» is one of the deepest and most dramatic films of Ukrainian cinema, created by director Yuri Illienko. This film combines elements of drama, history, and philosophical reflection on human destiny. The film tells the tragic story of a family caught in the whirlpool of political events at the beginning of the 20th century in Western Ukraine.

A distinguishing feature of the film is its visual poetry—multilayered images, symbolic scenes, and unmatched cinematography create a deep atmosphere that makes one reflect on the meaning of life, loss, and betrayal. Special attention in the film is given to the theme of the struggle for national identity and the difficult choices between personal feelings and obligations to the people.

«White Bird with a Black Mark» is not just a film but a true cinematic manifesto that remains relevant today, as it poses universal questions about humanity, honor, and freedom.

Long Farewells (1971)

The film «Long Farewells» by director Leonid Osyka is a dramatic story reflecting complex social and moral problems faced by Ukrainian villages in the second half of the 20th century. The main plot revolves around the difficult fate of a peasant family that encounters the challenges of time, including the changes brought by industrialization and modernization.

This film deeply immerses itself in the internal world of the characters, their experiences, hopes, and disappointments. «Long Farewells» demonstrates the conflict between traditions and new realities, prompting the viewer to think about the values worth preserving.

The directorial work deserves special attention, as it masterfully highlights the drama of situations through details of everyday life and psychological tension. The film leaves a sense of contemplation and empathy for the characters.

Babylon XX (1979)

«Babylon XX» is one of the most significant films of Ukrainian cinema in the late 1970s, directed by Ivan Mykolaichuk. The film is based on the poem of the same name by Dmytro Pavlychko and combines historical motifs with deep philosophical content.

The film tells about the complex events in a small village that reflect broader societal processes in Ukraine during the interwar period. «Babylon XX» explores the theme of spiritual struggle, the search for truth, and the preservation of national identity.

It is particularly interesting that the film vividly embodies symbolism: the village represents Ukraine, and its inhabitants symbolize various social strata and characters that together create a complex and multifaceted image of the people. The visual style of the film, its poetic language, and acting create a profound emotional impact.

This film can be considered a kind of bridge between classic and modern Ukrainian cinema, as it combines the traditions of folk art and innovative cinematic techniques.