PREMIUM SPOTLIGHT ON LAVISHLY OPULENT HISTORICAL COSTUME TV DRAMA COFFEE WITH CARDAMOM SET IN THE 19TH CENTURY UKRAINE

  COFFEE WITH CARDAMOM  

PERIOD SET TELENOVELLA

The series started December 20th in Ukraine

Here is something very pretty on the eye for you today: COFFEE WITH CARDAMOM, a ten episode historical drama from the Ukrainian national broadcaster STB, the events of which unfold in the city of Lviv, the biggest one in the West on Ukraine, in the XIX century. The script is based on the best selling novel by Ukrainian writer Natalia Gurnytska "Coffee Melody in Cardamom Tone". 

 

COFFEE WITH CARDAMOM 

 is a dramatic story of the forbidden love of a Ukrainian woman and a Polish nobleman, which takes place in Lviv in the middle of the XIX century, during

Olena Lavreniuk takes the lead female role in the series

the "Spring of Nations", the revolution of 1848-1849. The series, which started in Ukraine a few days before Christmas last December, tells the story of a

The series is filled with wildly opulent costumes and gowns

young girl, the daughter of a priest, who ties her life with a much older married nobleman. Their relationship - an unprecedented act for the XIX century - gained notoriety, so the protagonists faced condemnation.

WHO IS DRINKING THE COFFEE?

 The main female role is played by actress Olena Lavreniuk, and her partner in the series is famous Polish heartthrob, actor Pavel Delong. The

Adam with his richly dressed true wife in the series

authors of the script did not spare the main character, and she will have to go through a lot: condemnation, betrayal, love and hate! The series was done on a

The budget of the ten episode series was around $2 million

$2 million budget in a co production with neighboring Poland. One of Ukraine's most famous singers Zlata Ognevich was in charge of the beautiful

The series is based on a popular novel by Natalia Gurnytska

soundtrack! Check out the lavish trailer for the series below and tell us what you think, do you like it?

HOLLYWOOD SPY'S TOP 30 BEST INTERNATIONAL SONGS OF 2021 FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD! WHICH SONG WAS THE HIT OF THE YEAR?

    HOLLYWOOD SPY'S    

TOP 30 SONGS OF 2021

As usual, per our tradition, we are ending the year and entering the new one with a list of best songs that we listened to in 2021! Our list consists of hits

Shawn Mendes, Ani Lorak and Tom Grennan

from all over the globe, so here is your chance to get to know some new artists and melodies! The titles of the songs lead to videos, have a Happy New Year!

1. TOM GRENNAN A Little Bit Of Love

Last year we got Dermot Kennedy and Tom Gregory from United Kingdom, and this year their top crooner was the amazing Tom Grennan, whose song we adored.

2. IMAGINE DRAGONS Follow You

3. OFENBACH Wasted Love

The top music DJ duo from Germany had dance hit of the year

4. ANI LORAK Napolovinu

Tina Karol was our star a few years ago, but this one Ukraine is sending us the sensual queen of pop Ani Lorak who will mesmerize you with this video:

5. ONE REPUBLIC Run

6. MARIO FRESH Adu Mi Soarele

We have a number of Romanian hits this year, but this one was the best, the mellow pop and r'n'b voice from sweetie pie Mario.

7. AIDAN MARTIN Good Things Take Time

8. DERMOT KENNEDY Better Days

9. SHAWN MENDES Summer Of Love

10. ED SHEERAN Shivers

11. STROMAE Sante

12. SEAN PAUL AND SIA Dynamite

13. ONE REPUBLIC Someday

14. JASON DERULO Lifestyle

15. LP One Last Time

16. FONSI & NICOLE SCHERZINGER Bingo

17. MAROON 5 Lost

18. MOHAMED RAMADAN & GIMS Ya Habibi

Some oriental vibes from Arabia and France

19. KENDJI GIRAC Evidemment

Our favourite French singer had a power ballad this year.

20. TERENCE JAMES Je T'Emmenerai Danser

21. CASANOVA Tuti

22. KEDZO & TIJANA Hram

A power duet from Croatian and Serbian music stars!

23. MAHMUT ORHAN & SENA SENER Fly Above

24. SAAD LAMJARRED Enty Hayati

Some more oriental vibes coming from biggest Arabic star.

25. CLAUDILLEA Habanera

The best act we've ever seen in The Voice had a powerful single!

26. ANTITILA Maskarad

Our favourite Ukrainian band had a delightful hit this year.

27. ANDIA Mi E Dor

Another lovely pop tune coming to us from Romania.

28. INNA Maza

29. TIESTO Business

30. Smiley Locul sfinteste omul

 

INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY: SEE MONICA BELLUCCI AS A WITCH IN BEFANA COMES AT NIGHT 2: ORIGINS MOVIE, SERGEI STRELNIKOV AS UKRAINIAN 18TH CENTURY HERO IN DOVBUSH EPIC MOVIE

  BEFANA COMES AT NIGHT 2  

MONICA BELLUCCI AS A WITCH

Two non English movies for you today as Hollywood is in its prefestive slumber: a prequel to La Befana movie from 2018 BEFANA COMES AT NIGHT 2: THE ORIGINS will arrive to Italian cinemas a day before New

The prequel arrives December 30th

Year's Eve. Monica Bellucci takes the lead role of Befana, an old woman who delivers gifts to children throughout Italy on Epiphany Eve (the night of January 5). Little Zoe Massenti plays Paola, an XVIII century street girl, scam always looking for trouble, who inadvertently finds herself hindering the plans of the terrible Baron De Michelis (Fabio De Luigi), a hunchback always escorted by the trusted and mistreated Marmotta (Herbert Ballerina), with a boundless thirst for power and a boundless hatred of witches. The intervention of the sweet and

Monica Bellucci is sporting white hair in the movie

powerful Dolores (Monica Bellucci), a good witch who dedicates her life to children, saves Paola from an already lit fire. Between a magical apprentice- 

Herbert Balerrina also stars in the film next to Bellucci

ship, pursuits, incredible transformations and many, many, troubles, Paola will discover that destiny has something very special in store for her.

 

 DOVBUSH HISTORICAL EPIC 

UKRAINE'S MOSTEXPENSIVE FILM

Meanwhile, over in Ukraine we have historical adventure arriving to cinemas next May. DOVBUSH is a large scale epic movie about a unique Ukrainian hero, who gave his life for the freedom of his people more than

Dovbush will arrive to cinemas next May

three centuries ago, but his history has become immortal.

  The events of the film unfold in the Carpathians at the beginning of the 18th century. The brutal rule of the Polish gentry forces the Hutsuls to flee to the mountains. Two brothers, Oleksa (Sergei Strelnikov) and Ivan Dovbush (Aleksei Gnatkovsky), are outlawed. In search of revenge for the murder of their parents, the brothers become enemies to each other. One wants money, the other – justice. The Hutsuls start an uprising led by Oleksa. The gentry does everything possible to destroy Dovbush, but he manages to outwit them. Since then, the legend of the Carpathian knight has

Sergei Strelnikov takes the lead role of Dovbush in the film

been living and inspires generations of those who are fighting for the freedom of their native land. More than 1000 costumes were made for the movie with more than 600 people taking part in the production with more than twenty historically accurate sets being made for the movie.

THE RISING HAWK 13TH CENTURY EPIC ADVENTURE GETS A NEW TITLE FALL OF A KINGDOM AND AN AUTUMN UK RELEASE DATE!

     'FALL OF A KINGDOM'

13TH CENTURY EPIC ADVENTURE

I'm not sure if you remember that I presented you with this one last January, back then it was known as The  Rising Hawk but now it has changed

The movie will be released in Britain this November

name and will hit UK cinemas this November after already playing in Ukrainian cinemas last year. FALL OF A KINGDOM is a historical adventure that follows their national hero Zakhar Berkut in a movie

The film will hit Europe this spring

which boasts an international cast including Tommy Flannagan, Robert Patrick, Oliver Trevena, Poppy Drayton, with Alex MacNicoll and Rocky Myers in the lead roles! The movie was directed with Akhtem Seitablaev and John Wynn both at the helm.

Freedom Is My Nature   
During the 13th Century, Zakhar Berkut (Robert Patrick) and his wife Rada (Alison Doody) lead a group of high landers in Carpathian Mountains. Unfortunately, their tranquil existence is soon threatened by Burunda Khan, a powerful Mongolian general

The movie is based on Ukrainian legends

who leads his massive armies west in search of new lands to conquer. Forced to protect their village, Zakhar and Rada send their sons, Ivan (Rocky Myers) and Maksim (Alex MacNicoll), to ask for help from Tugar Volk (Tommy Flannagan), a wealthy boyar who has recently arrived from the King. After his strong willed daughter Myroslava (Poppy Drayton) and Maksim survive a dangerous encounter together, Tugar Volk pledges to defend the villagers against the Mongols. But when a mutual attraction sparks between Myroslava and Maksim, Tugar Volk forbids them from continuing their relationship.

Robert Patrick plays the famous hero Zakhar Berkut

Meanwhile, Burunda Khan faces questions from his warriors about his motivation and military strategy for the impending invasion. As war breaks

Poppy Drayton and Alex MacNicoll as Maksim and Myroslava

out, both sides suffer devastating casualties. Redoubling his efforts, Burunda Khan unleashes the full fury of his forces. Faced with certain doom, Maksim and Myroslava must choose to flee or make the ultimate sacrifice to save their people.

ENCHANTING POSTERS FOR 2021 ANIMATED ADVENTURES MAVKA ON UKRAINIAN FOREST FAIRY AND MY SWEET MONSTER ON RUSSIAN PRINCESS VARVARA

     'MAVKA' REVEALS

THE ENCHANTING FOREST QUEEN

Mavka The Forest Song arrives next year

Two upcoming animated projects today: coming from the Ukraine is an animated movie that has been in works for many years and should arrive to cinemas next year. MAVKA based on a drama ‘The Forest Song’ by Lesya Ukrainka, as well on the elements from Slavic mythology, will follow Mavka — a Soul of the Forest and its Warden — who faces an impossible choice between love and her duty as guardian to the Heart of the Forest, when she falls in love with a human — the talented young musician Lukas. The story is about the magical power of love. That kind of love that enables human

A massive line of Mavka merchandise has already been launched in Ukraine, including a whole supermarket designed around the film

nature to find the magic within and reveals abilities and qualities that empower a person to reach beyond possible and to hold against evil and human vice. Nature and its well-being will play one of the significant roles in the setup of the story, and thus, Mavka’s Forest will be inhabited by

Forest lynch will be one of the characters based on endangered species

endangered species of animals and plants to raise awareness about the extinction problem and the loss of natural habitats.The film will also present to the world enchanting Ukrainian and Slavic traditions, rituals, music, locations, ornaments! Oleksandra Ruban is directing.

     'MY SWEET MONSTER'

A PRINCESS AND A BANDIT

My Sweet Monster will arrive Autumn 2021

Also set for next year, September 1st 2021 to be precise, is another animated adventure, but this one coming from neigh- bouring Russia. MY SWEET MON- STER is animated comedy adventure directed by Maxim Volkov for one of our favourite movie companies CTB!  It will be an incredible story about the obstinate princess Varvara, who runs away from the palace, after getting tired of her father – Tsar Elisey's constant admonitions to her. She gets

Maxim Volkov is directing this Russian animated adventure

captured by the forest bandit Buka and turns his life into a mess. The princess tries to bring to the forest her own rules and becomes an object of the bandit’s envy. However, when you get a taste of hatred, you might also taste love too.

PREMIUM SPOTLIGHT ON ULTRA LAVISH UKRAINIAN COSTUME DRAMA LOVE IN CHAINS WHICH YOU CAN WATCH ON AMAZON PRIME

     'LOVE IN CHAINS' SERIES

WATCH IT ON AMAZON PRIME!

You can watch the series on Amazon Prime

Here is another interesting period set project coming from Ukraine, and I think the ladies will like it: costume series LOVE IN CHAINS (Krepostnaya) which already has 24 episodes of the first season streaming over at Amazon Prime (I hear there is already a widespread bingecraze around it). Kateryna Kovalchuk plays Kateryna a beautiful and clever girl who was, by the will of her godmother, raised as a lady of noble blood. But for the whole world, she is only someone else's property, a bondmaid of the richest landowner in Nizhyn - Chervinskyi.

Kateryna Kovalchuk takes the lead role

The series, originally released in Ukraine a year ago, where it became their record breaking telenovella, was also a hit in Poland and Russia. I hear the show itself was filled with outstandingly rich and opulent costumes. There is also a second season bringing the total number of episodes up to 48 with the third and fourth season already ordered to be released sometime in 2021 when it is expected that the number of episodes will be close to 100. After the success of the series, a line of books inspired by the story, were released in Russian language. You can check out the trailer for the series below with English subtitles. What do you think, will you binge it?

What's The  Story About?    
It is year 1856, Kateryna is beautiful, clever and by the will of her godmother was raised as a lady of noble blood. But for the whole world, she is

The series is apparently a whirlwind of opulently lavish costumes and gowns

only someone else’s property, a bondmaid of the richest landowner in Nizhyn – Chervinskyi (Mikhail Gavrilov). Struggling for her freedom and the right

Aleksey Yarovenko plays a man who falls in love with Kateryna and wants to save her

to be happy, she will have to endure the deaths of her closest people, become the property of a woman who hates and dreams to kill her, survive the popular

The series had 50% more viewers than the second best viewed series in Ukraine

uprising, escape while being chased by a maniac and flee from the one who wants to get her above all. What awaits Kateryna at the end of such a terrible and exhausting path to freedom?

STUNNING TRAILER AND POSTERS FOR EPIC HISTORICAL ADVENTURE THE RISING HAWK ON 12TH CENTURY UKRAINIAN HERO ZAKHAR BERKUT

     'THE RISING HAWK'

12TH CENTURY EPIC ADVENTURE

I'm a  bit late with this one, as it already played in cinemas in Ukraine last Autumn, but better late than never, right? THE RISING HAWK is a historical adventure that follows their national hero Zakhar Berkut in a movie

The film will hit Europe this spring

which boasts an international cast including Tommy Flannagan, Robert Patrick, Oliver Trevena, Poppy Drayton, with Alex MacNicoll and Rocky Myers in the lead roles! The movie was directed with Akhtem Seitablaev and John Wynn both at the helm.

Freedom Is My Nature   
During the 13th Century, Zakhar Berkut (Robert Patrick) and his wife Rada (Alison Doody) lead a group of high landers in Carpathian Mountains. Unfortunately, their tranquil existence is soon threatened by Burunda Khan, a powerful Mongolian general

The movie is based on Ukrainian legends

who leads his massive armies west in search of new lands to conquer. Forced to protect their village, Zakhar and Rada send their sons, Ivan (Rocky Myers) and Maksim (Alex MacNicoll), to ask for help from Tugar Volk (Tommy Flannagan), a wealthy boyar who has recently arrived from the King. After his strong willed daughter Myroslava (Poppy Drayton) and Maksim survive a dangerous encounter together, Tugar Volk pledges to defend the villagers against the Mongols. But when a mutual attraction sparks between Myroslava and Maksim, Tugar Volk forbids them from continuing their relationship.

Robert Patrick plays the famous hero Zakhar Berkut

Meanwhile, Burunda Khan faces questions from his warriors about his motivation and military strategy for the impending invasion. As war breaks

Poppy Drayton and Alex MacNicoll as Maksim and Myroslava

out, both sides suffer devastating casualties. Redoubling his efforts, Burunda Khan unleashes the full fury of his forces. Faced with certain doom, Maksim and Myroslava must choose to flee or make the ultimate sacrifice to save their people.

HOLLYWOOD SPY'S TOP 25 BEST INTERNATIONAL SONGS FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD! WHICH SONG WAS THE HIT OF THE YEAR?

HOLLYWOOD SPY'S

25 BEST TUNES FROM 2019

It is again that time of the year, people, when your trusted spy is presenting the annual top  list of the best songs we've listened to during the year. As

Ukrainian superstar Tina Karol dominates the chart this year

usual, the list is international with hits from all corners of the world! Tell us what were your favourite songs this year below in comments! Click on song titles to get to the videos!

2019 TOP 25 BEST SONGS

1. TINA KAROL - Sila Visoti

She's not only Ukraine's best singer, but also one of the most beautiful women in the world with impeccable style and irresistible feminine sensuality!

2. SERGEI LAZAREV - Shepotom

Not only that Russia's most famous singer had an amazing hit and incredibly stylish video for it, he also represented his country at Eurovision Song Contest this year!

3. TINA KAROL - Idi Na Zhizn

Tina had another mega hit this year, saying that you should live your life live not in postponed airing!

4. DERMOT KENNEDY - Outnumbered

After last year's hit Power Over Me, super dashing Irish hunk proved that he is one of world's best lyrics writers in the world with this amazing song.

5. MAT POKORA -  Les Planetes

After Maitre Gims and Kendji Girac, this year it was time for Mat Pokora to shine in France with his new album

6. ONE REPUBLIC - Rescue Me

7. ROBIN SCHULTZ - All This Love
Our favourite dance hit from Germany this year!

8. ANTITILA - Virila

Ukrainian Coldplay, or even better than them if you ask us!

9. MATT SIMONS - Open Up
It was that song that you sing all year but don't know who sings it!

10. LUCA HANNI - She Got Me

Our favourite song from Switzerland this year. Their biggest pop star and a flawless dancer, Luca represented them at Eurosong this year too with this ultimate hit.

11.CALVIN HARRIS & RAG`N`BONE MAN - Giant

12. S.A.R.S - Veruj Mi

Our favourite song from the Central European land of Vojvodina from the band which is huge at the Balkans!

13. KENDJI GIRAC- Que Dieu Me Pardonne

14. NICO SANTOS- Unforgettable

Germany's hitmaker is on our list this year again!

15. MAT POKORA - Tombe

16. GIMS & STING - Reste

17. KISHE - Cu Nich
Another star from Ukraine, we really loved this song of his this year!

18. PEDRO CAPO, FARRUKO - Calma

It was the ultimate Latin hit this year without any doubt! From PuertoRico

19. ARASH AND HELENA - One Night In Dubai

Coming from Iran, this is their fourth hit together!

20. MOHOMBI AND YOUSSOU NDOUR - Hello

This is what happens when Sweden meets Kongo!

  21. CAMILO, PEDRO CAPPO, SHAKIRA - Tutu
The ultimate trio from Colombia!

22. AURA DIONE - Shania Twain

Our favourite songstress from Denmark!

23. VITAA AND SLIMANE - Je Te Le Donne

24.  VERA BREZHNEVA - Lyubite Drug Druga

Russian beauty has a hit every year!

 25. JURIJUS - Run With The Lions

Stunningly beautiful star from Lithuania!

MAGICALLY MINDBLOWING TRAILERS FOR UKRAINIAN ENCHANTING FAIRY TALE LOYAL (VIDDANA) AND MESMERIZING RUSSIAN 19TH CENTURY OCCULT THRILLER THE NINTH (DEVYATAYA) WITH DAISY HEAD

     'LOYAL' TRAILER

AN ENCHANTING EXTRAVAGANZA

While Hollywood and, indeed, half of the world, are preparing for the snowy attack of Frozen II this week in cinemas, your trusted spy is taking you

Loyal is arriving to cinemas next January

today to the real lands of winter and snow, to Mother Russia and her sister Ukraine, where they have two utterly mesmerizing new trailers which your ever so clever spy has dug out especially for you! First up, a visually utterly gorgeous trailer for Ukrainian period set fantasy fairy tale LOYAL (Віддана) a big screen adaptation of the novel Felix Austria by Ukrainian writer Sofia Andrukhovych. Marianna Yanushevich, Olesya Romanova and Roman Lutsky star in the 19th century extravaganza out next January in Ukraine! Check out the crazy stunning trailer below.

     The Story Begins
 in Stanislav in 1868. Dr. Anger loses his wife in the fire, but manages to rescue two girls, his own daughter Adele and Stephanie, the daughter of his servants. Filled with despair, the doctor decides to raise them together. 25

Marianna Yanushevich, Olesya Romanova and Roman Lutsky star in the film

years have passed. The girls have grown up and are inseparable, though Adele is now married. Stephanie takes care of the house and the kitchen. But they still don't understand who they are with each other: sisters and girlfriends, or

Click to see the magnificently detailed costumes in the movie

maid and mistress. In the kaleidoscope of love and jealousy, dual meanings and mysteries, the line between reality and fiction finally disappears. Beautiful outfits, exquisite dishes and endless walks… What happens when the illusion begins to dispel and instead it comes to reality?

     'THE NINTH' TRAILER

 THE DARK MYSTERIES OF THE 19TH CENTURY RUSSIA

Meanwhile, over in Russia, currently airing in their cinemas is visually equally mesmerizing occult thriller THE NINTH (Devyataya) starring Harlots' star Daisy Head alongside Yuri Kolokolnikov and Evgeniy Tsyganov! Petersburg at the end of the 19th century was embraced by a

The Ninth is currently airing in Russian cinemas

massive enthusiasm for the occult sciences and esoteric. British medium Olivia Reed arrives in the capital of the Russian Empire on tour and gathers crowds of people at her public spiritualistic sessions. At this time, a series of ritual mysterious murders takes place in the city. Girls are abducted on the streets, their mutilated bodies are found in various parts of the city. The investigation is carried out by a young police officer Rostov and his assistant Ganin. With each new victim, things are becoming more confused. Suspicion leads Rostov to Olivia, and he decides to turn to her in the hope that her genuine or imaginary ability to summon the spirits of the dead can help to get on the trail of the killer.