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.

Sean Penn made this documentary to something special. It's not just made because of some attention, it's made with heart. You look in the scared eyes of people and feel directly the pain where they go through. The fear of not knowing what will happen next and the bravery that they will not let it happen without defending. This documentary shows how people come from ordinary life's, wearing army clothes and defend families, the land and the freedome of Ukraine against the biggest country in the world. Outstanding documentary of the strongest and bravest people on earth, who resist's against everything who will take freedome from them!

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.

This is a documentary everybody needs to see. In a time where democracy is challenged, hope & courage emerges. It is bizarre how knowledge can be a deterrent to what is possible, all this time I have studied Vladimir Putin only to find out President Zelenskyy is the true story. This president has restored my hope in democracy, and it is significantly inspirational to see such unity, and strength on the frontlines of Ukraine. My support for this president and country has increased tenfold just by watching this film. Sean Penn is a true journalist, and as he quoted Ronald Reagan's "To be a good actor, you have to be able to be yourself on camera." An unwavering strength this actor holds. Sean Penn is an inspiration and I commend his ability to withstand the politics and offer strictly true human emotional responses to this brutal & unprecedented invasion. I am incredibly proud to be an American and represent the ideology of democracy, but to be Ukrainian right now means to fight for it. We must all refrain from wavering our support to the upmost important mission of our time, freedom. God bless America, and God bless Ukraine.

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.