Beshoot (2019)
A raw, true-story Ukrainian war film about survival, brotherhood, and the brutal siege of Ilovaysk in 2014.
Beshoot - Movie Information
- Original Title: Іловайськ 2014. Батальйон «Донбас»
- Release Year: 2019
- Directed by: Ivan Tymchenko
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Action, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 0m
- Original Language: Ukrainian
- Spoken Languages: Russian, Ukrainian
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 29, 2019 (UA)
- Alternative Titles: Ilovaisk 2014. Batalion "Donbas" (UA)
- Production Companies: RONK FILM PRODUCTION
- Production Countries: Ukraine
Beshoot - Plot
Based on a true story. Two fighters of 'Donbas' Volunteer Battalion get locked inside city of Ilovaysk after regular Russian army enters Ukraine and shells the surrounded divisions of Ukrainian Army in the infamous would-be 'green corridor'. The fighters survive thanks to the help of the locals and manage to break out through the front line to reach the freed territory. Taras Kostanchuk who is playing himself as 'Beshoot' is that same Donbas commander who is the prototype of the story. Half of the actors and extras are real 'Donbas' volunteers who survived the battle.
Where to Watch Beshoot
Looking for where to watch Beshoot?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Beshoot - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ivan Tymchenko
Main Cast
- Taras Kostanchuk
- Serhii Dzialyk
- Ruslan Sokolnyk
- Oleh Drach
- Istan Rozumny
- Oleksandr Mavrits
- Fedir Rykov
- Anastasiia Renard
- Serhii Solopai
- Serhii Maliuha
Writers
- Mykhaylo Brynykh
- Taras Kostanchuk
Beshoot - FAQs
What is Beshoot about?
Beshoot follows two fighters from Ukraine's Donbas Volunteer Battalion who become trapped inside the city of Ilovaysk after Russian forces enter Ukraine and shell the encircled Ukrainian units in 2014. With help from local residents, they fight to survive and break through enemy lines to reach freed territory.
Is Beshoot based on a true story?
Yes, Beshoot is directly based on real events. Lead actor Taras Kostanchuk plays himself — the actual Donbas Battalion commander whose experience inspired the film. Remarkably, around half the cast and extras are real Donbas volunteers who survived the Battle of Ilovaysk in August 2014.
Where can you stream Beshoot for free?
You can watch Beshoot for free on Plex and Plex Channel — no subscription required. It's a great way to experience this powerful Ukrainian war drama without any cost.
What really happened at the Battle of Ilovaysk?
The Battle of Ilovaysk in August 2014 was one of the deadliest engagements of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Ukrainian forces were encircled by Russian troops and promised a safe 'green corridor' to withdraw — a promise that turned into an ambush, resulting in heavy Ukrainian casualties and widespread international condemnation.
Who directed Beshoot?
Beshoot was directed by Ivan Tymchenko, a Ukrainian filmmaker. The project stands out for its authentic approach — casting real Donbas Battalion veterans alongside professional actors to reconstruct one of the most harrowing episodes of the 2014 conflict.
Who are the main actors in Beshoot?
The cast is led by Taras Kostanchuk, who plays himself as 'Beshoot,' the real-life Donbas commander. He's joined by Serhii Dzialyk, Ruslan Sokolnyk, Oleh Drach, Istan Rozumny, Anastasiia Renard, and several actual Donbas volunteers who lend the film an extraordinary sense of authenticity.
What makes Beshoot unique among war films?
Few war films can claim that their lead actor is the real person the story is about. Taras Kostanchuk portrays himself, and roughly half the cast are actual Donbas Battalion survivors. This blurring of documentary and drama gives Beshoot a raw, immediate power that most war films simply cannot replicate.
What are similar films to Beshoot?
If Beshoot resonates with you, check out Butterfly Vision (2022) and U311 Cherkasy (2020) for more Ukrainian conflict cinema, or Katyn (2007) for another Eastern European war tragedy. Sniper: The White Raven (2022) and Harrison's Flowers (2000) also explore war's human cost in compelling ways.
More About Beshoot
Explore further details about Beshoot on these trusted resources.