The Eve of Ivan Kupalo 1968
Step back in time with *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* (1968), a haunting Ukrainian drama-fantasy directed by the visionary Yurii Illienko, blending folklore with psychological depth.
Director: Yurii Illienko
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* (1968) about?
The film follows Petro, a poor farmhand in a forgotten era, who seeks fortune to win the heart of his beloved Pidorka. His desperation leads him to strike a dangerous deal with a demonic figure on the eve of Ivan Kupala, testing his morals and unleashing supernatural consequences.
Who directed *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo*?
Yurii Illienko, a celebrated Ukrainian filmmaker known for his visually poetic and thematically rich cinema, directed *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo*.
Who stars in *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo*?
The film stars Larysa Kadochnykova as Pidorka, Boris Khmelnitsky as Petro, and Oleksandr Sergienko in a gripping supporting role, alongside Davyd Yanover and Dmytro Franko.
Is *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* (1968) worth watching?
While its unrated status means expectations should be tempered, this atmospheric fantasy-drama offers a unique blend of folklore and psychological depth. Fans of stylized, narrative-driven films with rich visuals and cultural resonance will find it a compelling watch.
How long is *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo*?
The runtime for *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* is 71 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Eve of Ivan Kupalo (1968) — A Ukrainian Folklore Fantasy Masterpiece
Step back in time with *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* (1968), a haunting Ukrainian drama-fantasy directed by the visionary Yurii Illienko, blending folklore with psychological depth. Set in a struggling village on the eve of an ancient pagan festival, the film follows Petro, a gentle farmhand whose dreams of love are twisted by greed and supernatural temptation. When a mysterious figure named Basavriuk offers wealth in exchange for a dark pact, Petro's fate hangs in the balance, mirroring the moral decay lurking beneath the idyllic surface. Illienko's poetic cinematography and rich symbolism transform this tale—inspired by Nikolai Gogol's classic short story—into a dreamlike exploration of desire, corruption, and the cost of ambition.
Atmospheres of superstition and dread permeate the screen as the village's folklore comes alive, with vivid visuals that oscillate between pastoral beauty and eerie fantasy. Themes of forbidden love and the seductive power of evil unfold against a backdrop of rustic poverty, where tradition clashes with human frailty. *The Eve of Ivan Kupalo* isn't just a film; it's a cinematic ritual, immersing viewers in a world where legends feel tangible and morality is as slippery as the night itself.