Servant of the People - The Truth is the Truth

In 2015, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the current president of Ukraine, started a show that he created and starred in, called Servant of the People (Слуга народу). The plot involves a school teacher named Vasyl Petrovych Holoborodko who runs for president after a video of his angry, profanity-ridden rant about the political situation becomes viral and people seem to like what he's saying. He ends up winning unexpectedly and thus the show is about how he does once he becomes president. In a postmodernistic twist, the actor ended up actually running for president and winning in 2019. Now he is resisting Russian occupation in his country on the ground in Kiev.

In this scene from the first episode, Vasyl explains himself to his students by invoking a Japanese parable about a peasant who confronts the emperor.

"The truth is the truth, no matter how unpleasant it is."

©2015 Kvartal 95

[klaushauschen]

He acted great at that show, he should be president or smth

[ChairmanMeow]

Impossible to be more of an opposite to Putin than this guy

[JapaneseProgrammer]

0:31
I'm Japanese, but I'm ashamed to say that I didn't know about this historical event.
I never thought I would be taught Japanese history by a Ukrainian...

[Marcus-okjy]

If Ukraine wins this war, I'm watching this show from start to finish. Gonna support their local business. Hope yall can do it too!

[genericexcuse]

I see the same man here that I see now in the war. "The truth is the truth, no matter how unpleasant it is."

[Astai]

Watched the first 3 episodes of the show because thats all thats available in English right now, and loved it. Zelensky's a great actor and great at uniting the Ukrainian people. God bless Ukraine and Слава Україні!

[randa]

Even if Putin gets to live another freaking 1000 years, he ain't never gonna be a true leader like Zelensky. Great respect to him and the Ukrainian people.

[davenc]

This man has impressed me more than any politician I have ever seen in the United States. God Bless Volodymyr Zelenskyy!

[koki]

*Я люблю свою страну, *
*люблю свою жену, *
*люблю свою собаку*
*Я почти что супермен, *
*всего на свете член*
*и редко лезу в драку*
*Слуга народа, па-рам-пам-пам*

[prabhatbose]

This guy acts good he should be a president

[greatdanelegend]

Zelensky is such a good person. I really hope I get to read about him in my kids' or grandkids' history books one day <3 Slava Ukraini!

[samovarmaker]

Rewatched the whole show thrice already, this show is fantastic and the whole Zelensky story is surreal

[benedicta]

If you have a safe and comfortable life outside Ukraine, then enjoy it and be grateful because you do not know when that ends. Salute Ukrainian soldiers for their bravery. The president of Ukraine is a real life hero RESPECT .
I am not a Ukrainian, but they are my heroes . A huge salute

[MoskusMoskiferus]

Zelenskyy: Servant of The People
Putin: The People is The Servant

[elvillivle]

They actually got Ukraine president to act on the show as a mere teacher 😮

[publishingstudioanuraga]

Our President had complete his legal education of international relations, his father is doctor of technical sciences and professor, grandfather — one of commander in Second World War, mother is engineer... So he actually not a comedian he is professional and honest specialist who knows background of Soviet celebrates. And he was elected by 76% of Ukrainians.
And now whole world!

[prasanna]

*Respect from India. And my world, please know there could be elements who indulge nazi ideologies but whatever the government may say or do, people are not scum. Those Russian protestors have proved it well. Indians stand for freedom. Bande Mataram, Slava Ukraini.*

[pandaofsam]

I suddenly realise the people in this classroom would have to take up arm or flee to other country. Hope they can survice the war, god bless.

[AlSabado-at-alsabado-com]

The badass leader of our time. Salute to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Praying, weeping, rooting for the Ukrainians. From the Philippines, where I walk with fellow citizens of the world for the freedom of Ukraine!

[Licentiapoetica]

He actually also was one of the authors of this show+ the owner and founder of the biggest Ukrainian film production company. So yes, he is a successful businessman and a multi-millionaire