

Movie spotlight
Mykola Dzheria
Freedom-loving Mykola Dzheria goes away from the village because of poverty and villainage. He leaves his senior parents, his young wife Nemydora and escapes to the sugar-mill. His friend dies because of slave work. Mykola goes to the Dniester reed beds. Working with other escapees, Mykola falls in love with the daughter of the cooperative leader. The girl also likes the handsome guy. However, their fate is decided by the landlord’s servants; they set the reed beds on fire, shackle Mykola and take him to Verbivka. The film was released on 01 April 1927 in Kyiv and on 24 May 1928 in Moscow. The film is lost.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during the tumultuous period of Ukrainian independence after World War I, the film tells the story of Mykola Dzheria, a peasant who rises to lead a rebellion against occupying forces. Dzheria embodies the spirit of resistance and the struggle for national self-determination. The narrative follows his journey from an ordinary farmer to a revolutionary hero, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges faced by the Ukrainian people in their fight for freedom. It's a powerful depiction of national identity and the fight for sovereignty.
Critical Reception
As an early Soviet Ukrainian silent film, 'Mykola Dzheria' is primarily recognized for its historical significance and its place within Oleksandr Dovzhenko's body of work. While specific contemporary reviews are scarce in readily accessible English-language sources, Dovzhenko's films from this era were generally lauded for their poetic imagery, national themes, and artistic innovation within the Soviet cinematic landscape. It is viewed as a significant contribution to Ukrainian cinema, often praised for its portrayal of national struggle.
What Reviewers Say
Praise for its historical importance as an early Soviet Ukrainian film.
Appreciation for Oleksandr Dovzhenko's distinct visual style.
Recognition of its thematic focus on national struggle and resistance.
Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific 1927 film is not readily available. Audience reception data for such early and niche cinematic works is typically limited.
Fun Fact
Oleksandr Dovzhenko, the director, was known for his lyrical and poetic approach to filmmaking, often incorporating elements of Ukrainian folklore and landscape into his narratives, which set him apart from many of his contemporaries.
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