Superpower

This documentary started out with the goal of covering Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky. It had already begun production as Russia inched closer to invading Ukraine, during a time when nobody really knew what would happen next. Because of this, it first covers the last 20 years of Ukranian political transitions and turmoil, and how the country's desire to become democratic and free has evolved over the last 30 years since becoming independent from the USSR. This is what the first portion covers. Not war, or guns, or explosions, but where Ukraine was during the days before Russia invaded.

After that, it shifts almost immediately to Zelensky, who amazingly still agreed to meet for a planned interview the day after the invasion had begun. From that moment on, Sean's perspective and perception of the man whose story he had set out to cover suddenly took a dramatic turn with the country now being at war.

Throughout the rest of the film, Sean tries to raise awareness in every way possible about the situation and the courage and strength he's seen first hand in Ukraine. He does interviews on various news channels and gives various talks. He holds a couple of additional calls with Zelensky as he finds out the sort of messages he'd like to get out there regarding need for equipment. He visits sites where Russia has only days or hours before bombed apartment buildings, destroying poeple's homes and property, and yet they still refuse to leave their cities. He visits playgrounds destroyed by missiles, he even visits the frontline in the trenches, 150 meters away from a Russian position, leaving most of his crew behind.

While the documentary began in a slightly fact-based manner, the longer it went on, the more emotionally invested Sean became in the spirit, determination and courage of the Ukrainian people -- both on the frontline and off. It culminates with a poignant interview outdoors with Zelensky and closes with a slightly dramatized but nonetheless deeply emotional scene with his son.

By the time the credits rolled, I was surprised at the feeling it left me with. One of the future, looking back on these times, and hopefully being able to say that democracy and freedom were victorious, and peace was lasting.

Why the documentary cannot be considered mediocre: because someone put in the effort to make it at that particular time, it deserves a 10/10. Westerners don't understand one thing: what it's like to be located in this part of the world, at the crossroads of three great historical empires. One of which will never allow you to live as you wish. The only solution is the sacrifice of blood, otherwise you will cease to exist. No nation in this geographical area has gained the right to self-determination without going through 2-3 wars and millions of deaths. And the fact that this is happening in the 21st century is horrifying.

First of all, there are som reviews here that are negative that are just Russian propaganda at best. Its full lies and half truths promoting the Russian narrative. As for the movie its a 7 for the fact they were there and the footage they took, as a documentary its a 5-6. Most of all it lacks depth and analysis from politicians and experts from the west on the military and political side leading up to the war. Its a little to much look how great we are who made the movie and the focus of a real documentarian is the subject, not the creator. There are a lot of interviews with ordinary Ukranians and governmental ukrainians that saves the movie, but a stronger message could have been sent by showing and destroying the Russian lies and have them as a comparable, not in the least showing all the atrocities that Russian troops committed in places like Bucha.

We will never see such a courageous leader like Zelensky in a hundred more years to come! Love love what Penn has done in this film. Bless Ukraine for your fight. Democracy will prevail. I know Zelensky will lead Ukraine to victory. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has indeed been widely regarded as a hero by many, especially for his leadership and resilience during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. His refusal to flee Kyiv and his efforts to rally his country and the world against the invasion won him admiration and support from people around the globe. Despite the challenges and the ongoing conflict, Zelensky's courage and determination have made him a symbol of resistance and unity for many Ukrainians and others worldwide.

This documentary shows the reality of cause and consequences of the war in Ukraine. The value of unity of nation and how powerful a nation can be when it's unified. The role of a leader when a nation is facing a catastrophic disaster. The transformation of president Zelensky from a comedian to the leader of the nation at the most brutal war since WW2 is very well performed in the movie.

I looked at Sean Penn with a different perspective. The courage of celebrity of his level to attend the most dangerous parts in Ukraine, visiting the frontline is inspiring. Much of respect to Sean Penn for this work.