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Women in Ukrainian cinema: from classic beregyny to modern war heroines
- Марійка Дзюба
- Nov 4, 2024
- 4 min read
The evolution of the female image in Ukrainian cinema covers a wide spectrum: from the archetypes of the protector and mother to modern heroines who can defend their country on an equal footing with men.
This is a reflection of the changes that have occurred in society over the decades: from classic patriarchal attitudes to today's challenges associated with war and the struggle for independence.
Let's consider the stages of this evolution, analyzing how the images of women on the screen changed and what symbols and messages the heroines of different eras carried.
Traditional female images: protectors of the home and bearers of family values
In the first films of the Soviet era, Ukrainian women were often depicted in roles subordinate to traditional values.
They were wives, mothers, and protectors of the home, and their images were based on the archetypal idea of a woman as a bearer of family warmth.
The women in these films mostly did not play an active role in social or political events, but their emotional depth gives the works a special national flavor.
Example: one of the most famous classic films, which is still considered a masterpiece of Ukrainian cinema, is Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1965) by Sergei Parajanov.
Marichka, the main character, is depicted as a symbol of love, loyalty, and sensuality. Her image personifies nature and a deep spiritual connection to her native land. However, she remains the emotional center of the story, not its active participant.
Another important film is The White Bird with a Black Mark (1970) by Yuri Illenko, where the female characters embody family values and a connection to the home.
They play the role of guardians of the clan, who take care of their husbands, support them in their struggles, but remain within the bounds of social expectations.
Post-Soviet Era: Finding One’s Own Voice and National Identity
With the advent of independence in 1991, female images in Ukrainian cinema began to transform.
National identity and new perspectives for the development of cinema became new themes, and women ceased to be just symbols of domestic comfort.
In the 90s, cinema tried to understand and convey to the viewer the complex history of Ukraine and the meaning of independence. Women now became the personification of national revival.
Example: one such film is Prayer for Hetman Mazepa (2002) by Yuriy Illenko.
This film depicts historical events, and female characters become symbols of struggle and national consciousness.
Women in this film remain part of the historical process, but again, their roles are less active — they are part of national memory and collective experience.
Another example: Mamai (2003) by Olesya Sanina reveals the image of a woman as an independent force that represents Ukrainian roots and spiritual heritage.
In this film, a woman has an autonomous voice and is an active participant in the historical process.
She embodies Ukrainian traditions but also strives for independence and self-realization.
Modern heroines in war films: strength, determination and resilience
Starting in 2014, in connection with the war in Eastern Ukraine, new female images have emerged that reflect not only resilience, but also the ability to fight and play an active role in society.
The war has become a great test that has changed the perception of female images - they are no longer passive or secondary. Women become equal participants in military events, and this is noticeable in cinema.
Example: Wild Field (2018), directed by Yaroslav Lodygin. This film, based on the novel Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan, although it tells about a man's struggle for inheritance, highlights a strong female image.
The heroine Olga, independent and self-sufficient, is a key character who helps the main character understand life and overcome trials.
She is shown as a woman who does not just complement the story, but is an equal partner. Her image reflects strength, support and the ability to remain herself in any circumstances.
The documentary Invisible Battalion (2017) tells about Ukrainian female soldiers who participate in combat operations.
The film destroys stereotypes about women as protectors and presents them as real heroines fighting for their land.
The film shows women on the front lines, making difficult decisions, and their strength is equal to that of men.
Synthesis of Tradition and Modernity: Independence and National Memory
Modern Ukrainian cinema is increasingly trying to combine tradition with modernity, and female images in it are more complex and deeper.
Such heroines become carriers of national memory, but at the same time they are free to make decisions and strive for self-realization.
Example: the film Strymgolov is a vivid example of a focused look at a modern young woman who wants to find herself and balance in a complex world.
The main character, Katya, finds herself faced with a choice: love and relationships or her own desires for fulfillment and career growth.
She has complex feelings and tyno faces difficulties in her personal life. This film reveals the complexity of the inner world of a modern woman who strives for independence, but does not want to lose her loved ones and her place in society.
The evolution of the female image in Ukrainian cinema reflects the transformation of society.
From the guardian of the home to the strong, independent heroine, Ukrainian cinema depicts women who not only preserve traditions, but also fight for their rights and defend their land.
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