Veselka: The Rainbow on the Corner at the Center of the World

This Ukrainian restaurant has been in the family for generations. It started off as a candy store - and then expanded to be the restaurant that it is now. It evolved with the constantly expanding night life of New York City.

We get to view the owners and the people working in the restaurant - and also to see some of the wonderful food.

We experience the anguish and the agony they have all undergone since the Russian invasion of their country. Many are worried about their family members. One worker is re-united with his mother, who came to be with him in New York. It's a touching and warm story of those who work in this restaurant.

This is such an incredible and moving movie that shows not only the ins and outs of a locally loved restaurant, but of a family that truly sticks together during tough times. This movie shows you just how hard the war has hit Ukrainians and how they have banded together to help one another. You will see some of the harsh realities but you will also experience the powerful love they all share and how they overcome such terrible circumstances. The owners of Veselka are some truly wonderful people and will have you marveling at their generosity and tenacity. A remarkable piece that I cannot recommend enough!

We need VESELKA more than ever. Both this documentary and the restaurant. This is the 70 year story of NYC's misted noted Ukrainian restaurant.

This is an extremely heartwarming documentary. It strikes all the right chords. I felt educated AND entertained by it. I laughed and shed some tears.

You don't just watch this documentary - you FEEL it.

And I was very hungry by the end. While the food isn't the focus of the story (the people at the restaurant are) I really want some pierogis right now.

I think I was most struck by how personal the movie is. It's not political at all. Though the appearance by embattled NYC Mayor Eric Adams cements how much of an idiot he is.

I fell in love with the story, the subjects, the food, and everything in between.

I streamed it on Prime. I am going to buy it on Apple TV now. This is one to own.

Honestly, this film had me at Veselka, the delicious east village staple that's been around for many years but what I didn't expect was how moving the story turned out to be in relation to the war in the Ukraine. Like all great documentaries and movies in general, the film took me on an emotional journey into the humanity of its' real life characters who deal with the unfolding war over the course of a year.

Ultimately, this is a film about family and the filmmaker's empathy and respect for its' subjects and the cinema verite approach leads to truly poignant moments on screen that will take you from tears to warm laughter. This is the stuff of life and the kind of documentary filmmaking we should all embrace.

I believe that all Americans should know the story of Veselka, especially American men who feel lost.

The men of the Veselka family are immigrants and American born who know the existential terror of tyranny or are terrorized for the people of Ukraine. They are bonded to protect their families and freedom by their courage, compassion, love and hard work. I believe that this beautiful film also speaks to American men in search of their own meaning and power within.

A victory for Ukraine will be a victory for America.

Thank you for bringing the lives of the gentle and strong Veselka family to us.

Cathy Zadoretzky.