Servant of the People

About Servant of the People Explore: - About - Making / Production - Actors - Trivia / Interesting Facts - Awards - Quotes - Music, Soundtrack About: "Servant of the People" is a Ukrainian TV show that originally aired in 2015. It falls under the genre of TV comedies and gained popularity both in Ukraine and internationally. Created by Vladimir Zelensky, who later became the President of Ukraine in real life, the series revolves around the character of Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko, played by Zelensky himself. The plot follows the journey of an ordinary high school teacher named Vasyl Holoborodko, who accidentally becomes the President of Ukraine after his impassioned anti-corruption rant goes viral on the internet. As a completely disillusioned citizen, he decides to take matters into his own hands and fight against corruption and bureaucracy that plague his country. With no previous political experience, Vasyl faces numerous challenges and unexpected situations as he tackles the complex political landscape of Ukraine. The show offers a satirical take on Ukrainian politics and bureaucracy, combining comedy, drama, and social commentary. It explores themes of corruption, power dynamics, and the struggle for genuine political change. "Servant of the People" resonated with audiences due to its witty writing, engaging characters, and its ability to address real-life issues in a humorous and entertaining manner. Making / Production: "Servant of the People" was produced by Kvartal 95 Studio, a Ukrainian production company founded by Vladimir Zelensky and his associates. The show was shot in Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, and featured various iconic landmarks and locations around the city. It was primarily filmed in a realistic style, giving the show a sense of authenticity in its portrayal of Ukrainian politics and society. The series received critical acclaim for its high production value and attention to detail. The writing, direction, and acting were praised for their comedic timing and ability to convey the satirical nature of the show. The success of "Servant of the People" led to the creation of a sequel series and a film adaptation. Actors: - Vladimir Zelensky as Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko (the President of Ukraine) - Stanislav Boklan as Mykola Kuzan (Vasyl's close friend and advisor) - Ostap Stupka as Serhiy Soboliev (a corrupt politician) - Natalia Sumskaya as Liudmyla Sosnovska (a powerful oligarch) - Roman Yasinovsky as Yuriy Ivanovich Turchynov (Vasyl's Chief of Staff) - Tatyana Halavina as Oksana Shepetivna (Vasyl's press secretary) Trivia / Interesting Facts: - Vladimir Zelensky, who played the lead role of Vasyl Holoborodko, was elected as the President of Ukraine in 2019, making him the first entertainer-turned-politician to hold such a position. - The show's title, "Servant of the People," is a reference to a famous speech by US President Abraham Lincoln, where he remarked, "Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." - The character of Vasyl Holoborodko is often compared to other fictional politicians such as Frank Underwood from "House of Cards" and Selina Meyer from "Veep." Awards: - "Servant of the People" received several nominations and awards, including the Golden Tower Award for Best Television Film at the Odesa International Film Festival in 2015. Quotes: - "People are tired of living in a country full of corruption, theft, and lies. This is not the Ukraine we want!" - "The power is in the hands of the people, and it's time for the people to take control of their own destiny." - "I will fight corruption in Ukraine with every fiber of my being. We deserve better!" Music, Soundtrack: - The show features a catchy theme song titled "Servant of the People," composed by Sergei Kuznetsov. The song reflects the themes of the show and has become closely associated with the character of Vasyl Holoborodko. Overall, "Servant of the People" offers an engaging and satirical portrayal of Ukrainian politics. It combines humor with social commentary to shed light on issues of corruption and the desire for genuine political change. The success of the show has made it a significant cultural phenomenon in Ukraine and beyond.