Movie tip: Invite a Ukrainian family to movie night

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A pleasant evening with an entertaining movie and some popcorn or other snacks can be great for establishing fellowship and friendship, especially across language barriers. At the request of Barnevakten, Netflix Norway has made the Ukrainian language available on a number of titles, and it provides a golden opportunity to invite Ukrainian children and families to a fun time in front of the screen.

The films now available with both Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles can be divided into three groups:

• Films with both Norwegian and Ukrainian audio and subtitles. This mostly applies to Netflix originals.
• Films with Norwegian audio and subtitle, and Ukrainian subtitles. In our list, this applies to many popular animated films.
• Films with Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles. Films for slightly older children and adolescents often have the original language with subtitles.

It is far from all the titles on Netflix that are available in Ukrainian, and in the list below you will find those titles from our article with Good Family Movies on Netflix that are available with Ukrainian text and/or speech.

But how to do this when you need a Norwegian and Ukrainian language at the same time?

Netflix has made language settings very easy. When starting a movie, go to the bottom of the screen and select audio and subtitles (voice bubble icon). The procedure varies slightly depending on the platform you are on, but you will see a menu option similar to this:

Here you can choose a solution based on what you think is most appropriate. In the films with text and speech in both languages, for example, one can set the audio to Ukrainian and the text to Norwegian, or vice versa. In films with Norwegian text and audio and Ukrainian text, one must necessarily choose Norwegian speech and Ukrainian subtitles. In the titles for slightly older children and adolescents, where there are only subtitles in both languages, one must choose one language. But here one can make an assessment of whether the Norwegian or Ukrainian children understand English better and have the audio in the original language.

From six years: Films with both Norwegian and Ukrainian audio and subtitles

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (Norwegian title: Familien Mitchell mot maskinene)

American animated film, 2021
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian and Ukrainian audio and subtitles

The unusual Mitchell family is humanity’s last hope when a mobile phone conquers the world. Perfect for a movie night for the whole family, this is a highly entertaining animated film that offers an endless series of laugh and thought-provoking points about screen use, while also delivering an inspiring message about family and community.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Back to the Outback (Norwegian title: Hjem til villmarken)

Australian/American animated film, 2021
Barnevakten’s rating: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian and Ukrainian audio and subtitles

Back to the Outback is a crazy and clever animated film with a good message recommended for the whole family. The idea of turning a bunch of deadly animals into the kind ones is absolutely superb, and it becomes a source of crazy and absurd humor, and not least the starting point for the film’s good message. History takes a clear stance that it is not right to keep animals in captivity, and that one should not judge others by how they appear, but by how they are as individuals – or as snakes and spiders in this case. All the characters go through a personal journey, and none of them end up with the personality they had when the movie began. In other words, this is a rich film with a clear and easily perceivable message that induces reflection after watching the film. Combining with the pace, excitement, and a lot of humor, the result becomes a very enjoyable family film.
Read the Babysitter’s review

Saved by Ruby (Norwegian title: Reddet av Ruby)

American drama, 2022
Barnevakten’s assessment: Suitable for children from six years
Norwegian and Ukrainian audio and subtitles

In this cozy film for young dog lovers, police officer Dan teams up with former street dog Ruby to achieve his dream of being admitted to the dog patrol in Rhode Island. The story has a lot of focus on positive encouragement that everyone deserves a second chance, and the importance of trusting each other – and that while things seem difficult, the reward may come up later if you do not give up. Inspired by a true story, the film has a nice message of not giving up animals that are a bit wicked and haven’t gotten a proper upbringing. However, the film appears simply made, and the script is not exactly original. But at the same time, this isn’t a movie that pretends to be anything more than what it is – this is a cozy and positive film about a funny dog that many children will enjoy watching.
Read Barnevakten’s review

From six years: Films with Norwegian audio, and both Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Trolls

American musical comedy, 2016
Barnevakten’s rating: Suitable for all
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitle

This musical animated film is child-friendly, charming, and entertaining, and has a nice message for children about happiness, cooperation, and daring to be themselves. At the same time, there are many clichés and easy solutions that you will not see in some classics. And then it’s a bit funny with some bad people from Bergen.
Read Barnevakten’s review

The secret life of pets (Norwegian title: Kjæledyrenes hemmelige liv)

American Family Film, 2016
Barnevakten’s Assessment: Suitable for All
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

What do our pets do when we are not at home? That’s the brilliant starting point for this movie. Unfortunately, the potential of the idea is not exploited. Nevertheless, this is a crazy and entertaining story that offers speed and humor for the whole family. The film has some very funny scenes, such as with the poodle Augustus who becomes a wild and crazy headbanger as soon as he is alone. There is also a good message that we all need each other, and about loyalty, and that even those who are bad can be good inside. But it’s a pity that this has not become a better film.
Read the Babysitter’s review

The Abominable (Norwegian title: Den avskyelige snømannen)

American/Chinese animated film, 2019
Barnevakten’s rating: Suitable for six years and above
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

Yi is a young girl who works all summer to raise money for her dream trip, a trip across China that she had planned with her late father. But then a despicable creature appears on Yi’s rooftop in Beijing. A washed-up Yeti has escaped captivity and ends up at Yi’s house. But the creature is not so disgusted. In fact, he is quite shy and cozy by himself, and the only thing he wants is to go home to the Himalayas. This is a colorful and fresh animated film with a lot of excitement, charm, and humor. The film is barely original, but it has nice characters who learn a lot about family and what is important in life. There are many dramatic and dark scenes, and it is possible that some six- and seven-year-olds may experience parts of the film a bit scary.
Read Barnevakten’s review

How to Train Your Dragon (Norwegian title: Dragetreneren)

American animated film, 2010
Barnevakten’s rating: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

The films about Hiccup (Hikken in Norwegian audio and subtitles) and the dragon Night Fury (Tannlaus in Norwegian) are great family films that offer a lot of humor, speed, and excitement – mixed good messages. Hiccup meets Night Fury with an open and friendly attitude. He wants to resolve conflicts by peaceful means. The value of family, cooperation, and friendship is highlighted in the film. How to Train Your Dragon is very well made and will be able to appeal to children, adolescents, and adults alike.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Hotel Transylvania

American animated film, 2012
Barnevakten’s rating: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

Count Dracula, or Drac as he is called, is a little scary, but mostly funny. This movie mixes humor and entertainment with horror movie elements, but here even the scariest monsters are really just kind. This is a movie that children as young as seven can watch, but you may want to tell them that the start of the movie is a little scary.
Read Barnevakten’s Review
The film also has a 2015 sequel and is available on Netflix.
Read our review of Hotel Transylvania 2

Puss in Boots (Norwegian title: Pus med støvler)

American comedy, 2011
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

A visually beautiful, fast-paced, and funny film about the sword-swinging kitty from the Shrek films. The story is a little uneven, but the film is very funny and entertaining and has an interesting message of revenge and forgiveness.
Read Barnevakten’s review

The Croods

American animated film, 2013
Barnevakten’s rating: Suitable for seven years and above
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

The best thing about The Croods is the protagonist Eep. The mix of outer and inner strength, adventurous and naive curiosity make Eep a fresh and cool girl – a type of character we would like to see more of in films for children and young people. Beyond this, The Croods is a simple and commercial film. But the animation is very good, and as a light and funny entertainment, this is simply great.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (Norwegian title: Det regner kjøttboller)

American animated film, 2009
Barnevakten’s rating: Recommended from seven years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

The young and ambitious Flint Lockwood invents a machine that makes it rain food, but when the machine runs wild, he must save the world from a storm of giant meatballs. This is an entertaining film with a good and fun message recommended for children from seven years of age. The story evolves into a hilarious parody of the disaster movie genre, and a steady stream of jokes, funny whims, and a host of quirky characters mean that the film never has a dull moment.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Megamind (Norwegian title: Megahjerne)

American animated film, 2010
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from six years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

The plans of the supervillain Megamind usually cause the most trouble for himself, and it becomes a disaster when he creates a new superhero. During the film, the story takes several unexpected turns. The different characters are colorful and funny, and a number of imaginative and visually exciting ideas are released. It has also a great message where we get to know a protagonist who, almost against his will, has become evil and who just needs someone to like him for who he really is.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Shrek

American comedy, 2001
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from six years
Norwegian audio and subtitles, Ukrainian subtitles

Shrek has lived his whole life for himself. After all, he thinks himself a big ugly giant who scares the hell out of people. Shrek also thinks that he is doing great alone. But when he meets a chatty donkey who doesn’t care that Shrek is a green giant, it becomes the start of a personal change involving an adventurous and funny journey, as well as a princess named Fiona. If you want to have a conversation with children about self-image, this popular animated film can be a good starting point. Shrek lives with a belief that he is an outcast, and although his life changes when he opens up about new friendships, he still struggles with insecurity. And when we find out Princess Fiona’s secret, questions about beauty ideals become very relevant.

From nine years: Films with Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Goosebumps (Norwegian title: Gåsehud)

American horror comedy, 2015
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from nine years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

This film adaptation of the popular book series offers horror, humor, and fast-paced excitement, and manages to balance the point of art between horror and humor. Here, young people get a great and appropriately scary introduction to the world of a horror film, but the story is at the same time so absurd and funny that it never gets really scary. The film doesn’t start very well, but the entertainment value shoots straight to the sky when the story gets really going.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Love Actually

American romantic comedy, 2003
Recommended for everyone, note that there are some sexualized jokes and some coarse language.
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Love is not easy. This classic romantic comedy follows a group of people who find love stinging sticks in the wheels for them. And when all their destinies are wrapped up in London on Christmas Eve, the result is a charming and timeless – albeit a little “sticky” – film with a large ensemble of stars that can awaken the Christmas spirit. The film is allowed for everyone and can be safely viewed by everyone, but due to some sexualized jokes and some coarse language, it is best suited for adolescents and adults.

Adolescents: Films with Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Spotlight

American drama, 2015
We recommend from twelve years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Brilliant and important drama about the journalists at The Boston Globe who uncovered a widespread abuse scandal in the Catholic Church in the early 2000s. The film is poignant and thought-provoking and has a strong message about individuals’ responsibility to stand up and support each other when they are aware of serious crime, and that even the highest esteemed institutions must have a culture of openness and be open to scrutiny and critical issues. The value of a well-functioning press also becomes very clear. At a time when click cases dominate, it is important not to forget the invaluable social role of the free press. Without independent journalists digging into difficult cases and asking critical questions, this scandal might never have been exposed.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Super 8

American action-adventure, 2011
We recommend from 12 years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Joe and his friends become witnesses to a freak train crash that marks the start of a series of mysterious events, and they eventually uncover a terrifying secret. This is an exciting and entertaining film that is great for young people. The film doesn’t have a good enough story to become a real classic, but the young actors do a great job. The effects are very good, and the action scenes are spectacular. The message is mostly about the fact that even if you experience tragic things in life, you have to put the past behind you and live on. The film is also about friendship, love, and forgiveness.
Read Barnevakten’s review

The adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn (Norwegian title: På eventyr med Tintin: Enhjørningens hemmelighet)

American adventure, 2011
Recommended from eleven years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

The young reporter Tintin wraps himself in a funny, heartbreaking, and exotic adventure recommended for children as young as 11. With Steven Spielberg in the director’s chair, this has become a well-made and highly entertaining action-adventure. Action and humor blending nicely together, the story takes us to unexpected and spectacular places.
Read Barnevakten’s review

The Pirates: The Last Royal Treasure

Korean action-comedy, 2022
We recommend for adolescents
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Crazy and fresh pirate adventures with a lot of charm, this is a great movie for an informal movie night for young people. This Korean action-comedy has a completely absurd story, but compensates for it with humor and charm in buckets. The characters are crazy and funny, the many fencing battles are fast-paced and exciting – and the theme of pirates and bandits is fresh and fun. The pirates also have a strong female leader, and in the way she puts herself in respect – and gets respect – there is a good and clear message.
Read Barnevakten’s review

Forrest Gump

American drama, 1994
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from twelve years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Over three turbulent decades, Forrest rides on a wave of events that lead him from being labeled an incompetent person to becoming a famous football star, from Vietnam hero to shrimp king, from honors in the White House, and into the arms of his great love, Jenny. Forrest becomes the epitome of an era. His big heart understands more than his limited IQ. Six Oscars winning film Forrest Gump has touched the hearts of many.

As Good As It Gets (Norwegian title: Livets lyse side)

American drama-comedy, 1997
Barnevakten’s assessment: Recommended from eleven years
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

Jack Nicholson shines in the role of Melvin, a grumpy writer who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder and has little left for humanity. But his life takes an unexpected turn when he is forced to get to know his gay neighbor and waitress at her regular lunch spot.

The Other Guys

American action-comedy, 2010
Suitable for twelve years and above
Norwegian and Ukrainian subtitles

This movie starts as a very promising action-comedy, but unfortunately dips a little in the last one-third. Nevertheless, the concept is so funny and the interaction between Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell is so good that it scores highly.
Read Barnevakten’s review

(Translated by Ratan Samadder)