Is Putin the new Voldemort? Ralph Fiennes on Russia's invasion of Ukraine and cancel culture

#Mikhail Zygar #RussiaUkraine #interview #Ralph Fiennes
Third issue of “After Tomorrow” is an interview with the famous actor Ralph Fiennes. Of course, this conversation is on the war between Russia and Ukraine. How will it affect Russian art? Can all Russians be “cancelled” in the West? And will the emigrants return to their homeland?
0:00 Ralph Fiennes, British actor, director and producer, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
13:45 Where was the USSR filmed for “The White Crow” about Nureyev
17:43 Righteous Wrath and “All Russians Are Responsible”
21:00 Emotions like candy and devaluation of political discourse
24:52 “Schindler’s List” and the threat of growing nationalism in Europe
32:00 Insults to Russians in The King's Man
35:53 How is Voldemort different from Putin
39:00 Shame or greatness of empire?
46:00 Sergei Polunin’s prejudices and tattoos
49:12 Russia and J.K. Rowling in Cancel Culture
54:51 Right politicians?
57:57 Support for the Gift of Life Foundation
For Russian please go to • Путин - новый Волан-Де...
Russia Ukraine war that could reshape the world. Bucha. How will the crimes of the Russian army affect the attitude toward Russians? Eugene Onegin and the White Crow. Emigration from Russia. Will we ever be able to return to homeland? The media in Russia. How do free journalists survive? Boris Johnson and his statements about the war. How does Europe assess what is happening? Is Russia now being compared to the Reich? Russia and the West. How quickly can relations get better?
Why is Schindler’s List worth rewatching now? Is every man capable of inhuman cruelty? Does Vladimir Putin look like Voldemort? Will the war affect the cinema? How foreign countries treat Russian stars who support aggression. Sergei Polunin and his fate in art. Chulpan Khamatova and the future of the Gift of Life Foundation. How will it affect Russian art?

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Ralph’s obsession to keep his connection to current news is a sign of acute intellectual curiosity. I applaud that.

[@s589xjc9]

"-Opposition is the health of the society. -Righteous anger is very dangerous because it quickly becomes stupid. -People want to be in tribes, don't they? They feel safe with other people who think the same. We can all be manipulated. -Politicians massage the simpler emotions and that's like candy to people, like "oh yes, yes, I find something to dislike!.." - and that's the cheapening of the political discourse. -The best art is a provocation to think. -The people who can speak for society need to be able to say: there isn't an easy answer. -I don't want to be abused or insulted and therefore I don't want to do it to someone else." Brilliant interview. Very deep and thoughtful. Thank you!

[@ldhorricks]

I just came across this...I'm Canadian who has lived in Prague for over 30 years. I have worked with Ralph on two of the three films he has directed and acted in. Those being Coriolanus (his first) and The White Crow (his most recent)....plus another a few years ago in which he played a lead role...all films produced by Gaby Tana...a producer and woman I adore and have so much respect for. What can I say about Ralph...he is a profoundly thoughtful human being, and one of the most articulate people I know. I don't claim to "know" Ralph...but I know him well enough to know that as toweringly articulate as he truly is...I could feel how he struggled painfully to express his deep feelings and pain over this senseless event. The poignancy of his expression, was difficult to watch...it quite literally brought me to tears...Hope to see you again soon Ralph...."There is a World Elsewhere".

[@elena__sh]

Astonishingly deep conversation. Ralph is a brilliant actor. Humanism, culture and compassion - are the things we should keep during those dark times. Culture doesn’t belong to any nation. Putin can’t claim Tchaikovsky, can’t claim great art as weapon.

[@Madtwins]

His humanism were out in 2018 when he directed movie in Russia while Crimea Tatars was getting fabricated 21 year stalin's terms, not to mention MH17 victims shot by Russia.

[@l3m0n1e]

Great interview with fantastic Ralph Fiennes! ❤

[@olgataracheva3819]

Thank you Ralph and Mikhail for your deep thoughts and sincerity. I'm so impressed by the fact that Ralph thinks and cares about the fate of the Russian people more than some Russians do. And special thanks for your role in Vera Glagoleva's film "Two Women".

[@antonallen8972]

Wonderful interview, I never knew the actor in any other form than Voldemort. It’s a pleasure to watch an intellectual discussion like this. Thank you for your work Mikhail!

[@user-ue3bq6io3h]

Спасибо за прекрасное интервью. Один из любимых актеров с большим сердцем. Изучаю английский:))

[@Luchina1234]

@everyday tenor Советую читать побольше. Сначала смотреть в словарь пореже.

[@user-to6mr8gu5u]

Отдельная благодарность за гостя, посмотрела на английском,формулирование мыслей Райфом как отдельный вид британского искусства ♥️

[@user-wp1qd1vj2n]

Да, он ангийский интеллигент

[@bubblegum_b]

Thank you for this interview! Ralph has always been one of my favourite actors, and now, hearing what he has to say about the war, I'm even more in love. And, obviously, as heartbroken as he is. It's a shame that both of your channels have so few subscribers.

[@flamymare2245]

My first movie with Ralph was English Patient, I was impressed of his role and since than followed his carrier. I have no doubts he is a very intelligent and thoughtful person, and this interview just prove that. His reaction on what happened now in Ukraine is a most natural for a normal decent man, who grew up in democratic country and denies violence. I saw kind, thinkable and humane person. Thank you guys!

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

You sound like his sibling. One thing that I just have to say this to Ralph. Tell your sister in law to quit teaching yoga but teach children to play piano in love of Jesus, True god True man. I love Ralph means I love everyone. Love papa Francis. Listen to him. It's good for you.

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

@ "O my Jesus, Forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those most in need of Your Mercy." We humbly pray.

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

Agree. The English Patient is my #1 favorite film of my life and I’m no spring chicken anymore. The brutality of this horrible grotesque man, Vladimir Putin, needs to be stopped immediately.

[@lizannewhitlow1085]

@@taehyunjeoung1334 Give it a rest sir. Not everyone believes in your ideas. Ps. I adore Pope Francis and I live near the greatest international city of his name.

[@ldhorricks]

What on earth are you on about?@@taehyunjeoung1334

[@johnbelfort8423]

I agree with Sofia - I'm surprised more people haven't watched this. Zygar is always worth listening to and Fiennes is a compelling presence. That voice!

[@user-ok1me5qz7c]

THank you, guys , for the discussion, from Russia!

[@calihello3726]

Love him. ❤

[@OtogakureNoShinobi]

This should be a podcast! What a thought-provoking discussion, thank you very much.

[@anniechkazhu5386]

Благодарю за такое блестящее интервью с Райфом!

[@kyotoinferno3079]

One of my favorite Hollywood crush ralph fiennes

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

By the way, I love you, Ralph!

[@m.b.8429]

Fiennes is admirable as ever - a personificatiion of dignity. Спасибо за выпуск на английском, совершенно невозможно слушать русскую версию с voice-over, мне кажется, гораздо лучше было бы использовать субтитры, даже когда не знаешь языка, на котором говорит гость, хочется слышать его голос и интонации. Противники субтитров в кино жалуются, что приходится отвлекаться от картинки - в случае с "говорящими головами" это не проблема. То, как человек говорит то, что говорит - колоссально важно, пожалуйста, не лишайте зрителей этого, пожалуйста, подумайте о том, чтобы перейти на субтитры.

[@katkag.1799]

Worth the wait! Thank you for this interview and thank you for doing what you're doing

[@kinawinkelstrahle2431]

Thank you so much! 🙏🥰❤

[@sevaschurev2986]

Very nice interview! Thank you for chosing such interesting topics to discuss.

[@racheljennings1688]

He is a curious and well read person

[@kyotoinferno3079]

My crush ralph fiennes

[@inesmolina1598]

Una entrevista tan importante qué lamentable la ausencia de subtítulos en español .

[@D_D660]

Спасибо что выпустили и на английском тоже, кому то так приятнее)

[@tatiyana8934]

Я тут (внезапно)) открыла для себя Онегина от 1999... Так случилось, - других фильмов 🤷🏻‍♀️ - тоже не смотрела... ...Ну... - так вышло... (про Воландеморта, конечно, слышала, - но вспомнила, что характерно, - и не сразу(!).. ... Вот, - посмотрела Онегина... - ☺️🥰 - Влюбилась, конечно, - сразу! )) - Сколько в человеке фантастического! /идеально демонического обаяния!! ☃️ Рыскаю теперь по ютьюбчику - "подъедаюсь" любыми видео)).. Михаил, - Спасибо за гостя! /Спасибо за беседу!!! ❤👍🏻

[@missrossiya]

Пусть настоящий Воландеморт расскажет , где спрятан последний крестаж:)

[@mcal27]

Knowing of Ralph’s connections to Russia, I always wondered how he would feel about the portrayal of Russian’s in some of his films . M in the James Bond films etc also. It’s a difficult time for such artists. Do they destroy their career by not accepting high profile roles which will enable roles that are more worthy… You can see Ralph’s internal pain here. Being a brit with Russian family I can understand his feelings, especially as I have little of the pressures he must have.

[@lw0612]

прекрасный Человек!

[@tandrichter]

the other factor being the need and the habit for having a nanny state.

[@armavida6367]

I remind to myself his other interviews, and it seems to me like it is painful for him to answer this questions... He loves Russian culture and he is upset now...

[@juliemurashova]

Спасибо! Очень приятно будет послушать в оригинале

[@vaultsjan]

Not all Russians... hmm so Russia as a state and culture does not have long imperialist history towards Ukrainians?

[@malina28202]

4:10 "And that was the feeling that many Russians felt after Bucha", that is what was said, and translation says "much". It should be corrected.

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

This person who was said to be baptised and even said of have had to teach was no one but violent. I care for his soul. If what he said that he taught. It is nothing but devil.

[@albinarachinska5525]

Ральф Файнс чому завжди росіяни росіяни росіяни... запрошуємо приїхати в Україну бо це країна давньої великої історії культури та мови яку весь час намагаються красти московити!

[@stephr7637]

OMG of course all Russian people aren't culpable - as a British person I know the vast majority of Russian people are victims of this war as well. We need to remember that we have much more ability to safely protest and challenge our own government's choices than the Russian people do, and not equate apparent inaction with complicity. ❤️ to Russians and Ukranian's alike.

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

When you have seen St. John Paul ll three times and have spoken to a sort of a baptised person and that person says that I have seen devil, that's when you renounce your senses. When a person is baptised and can't tell the differences between the Saint and the devil but persist on his religion with nothing but violence. That's when you renounce senses. Ralph? I speak to you, because I know that you have ears to hear.

[@user-wp1qd1vj2n]

Что то у вас мало подписчиков на англ канале :)

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

Yes, fr Kaz the marian father gets us to pray for the end of the war and to pray for the conversion of Putin. Every time when he offers the Holy Mass. He says that it doesn't matter which side it is. we pray to God. Ralph Fiennes who also is Paschal loves Jesus with Mary. And I love him, although he shouts at me appearing in my dreams. Once in my dream, like a couple of years ago, we were both in a car at the front seat. He said DRIVE! And I told him that I don't know how to drive. which I don't. I was sitting on the left seat of the car and I don't remember which side that the handle was. In Australia and in Korea that it is in opposite side to one another. The handle In car that is. Peace to everyone!

[@tandrichter]

All Eastern Europeans believe in having a strong leadership at the helm of their respective countries. It is part fear of the unknown-democracy and freedom, both practically strange notions to them, not practised for more than 5 decades. Feeling out of balance and unprotected.

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

Hail Mary! Hail holy queen. Mary mother of God. Full of grace. Thank you everyone. Friends who love Ralph. I love you. I love Ralph. I love mary magdalena. She loves me. I pray for Elizabeth ll and her family. In to my arms oh Lord. Pope Francis, Elizabeth ll, went to pay a visit to pope Francisco with jam or marmalade etc. in a basket when she did. She wanted to be prayed to. I pray for her, humbly. Lord have mercy on us. Let's pray the Divine mercy chaplet for the whole world's salvation and happy chuseok for all korean for the true humility. I love Ralph!

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

Furthermore, the very day that the person's phone had became out of service, Jesus told me this, I love you, be happy for me. During the lent of 2020. I am still speaking to Ralph. There are much more that I need to talk to!!! An hour won't be enough to talk to.

[@ImDJ733]

Is this question stil acurate after more and more truth coming out so now we learned to be very careful to trust media. Horrible truth coming to shock many. Buckle up!

[@EriPF]

I don't believe in politicians and I don't care about Putin or the president of Ukraine, as well as the two of my country Bolsonaro and Lula, I don't care, what really matters is the people, the people who suffer, the people who will fight , the people who have to flee, the people who die etc... And when I say "The People" I mean men, women, children and the elderly, they do suffer and not the government, you can see what's happens on Venezuela, and who's suffering? Maduro? No! The people! People that are eating their pets and trash to survive! The people is the only side who really suffer.

[@FirstnameLastname-my7bz]

Exactly. Only people from "bad" countries ACTUALLY understand what it is all ultimately about. Unfortunately "first world"ers just stuck larping as superheroes or whatever.

[@EriPF]

@@FirstnameLastname-my7bz Yes, those who are suffering know how it is (unfortunately there is the side of the people who idolize corrupt politicians mainly in my country Brazil) I give an example of the current president Lula CREATED THE BIGGEST CORRUPTION SCHEME IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD and was re-elected for the third time. It's simply a shame, that's why I don't listen to the artists' political and social opinions because, in addition to being rich, they don't suffer what the poorest people suffer, they romanticize situations a lot with speeches of "peace, love, coexistence, empathy" etc.. A solution to the problem is never sought, as Thomas Sowell says "politicians only think of two things: getting elected and re-elected"

[@FirstnameLastname-my7bz]

@@EriPF you are just literally 100% me. But from Brazil. Respect from Russia (and also child of ex-Yugoslavian). H8 it but also love it here. Literally no other way to end this worldwide madness other than average people stop being stupid enough to into a grinder.

[@andreasmuller7488]

I am dissapointed that after coup 53 this kind of report has been recorded. Double morality...

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

I am Sabina

[@affordingstyle]

If any interviewers are watching this, please please PLEASE don't try and make Ralph Fiennes compare Putin to Voldemort. Just don't.

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

By the way, the devils are non-stop praising God, slavering themselves. I think, they may go away the day I get baptised. And again, actually Our Father have said to a Saint that devils are weak. And I am quite sure that Jesus started to talk to me to help me from this useless devils. Although once again Our Father had said to a Saint that devils are just praising God. It's been for so many years now. I am almost getting use to it. I thought that I 'd give it an update on it to Ralph.

[@linefelten3421]

Il y a pas quand Ukraine la guerre regarde les infos regarde d’autres pays dans le monde la guerre tu verras c’est pas que l’Ukraine la guerre pas les seuls ⚠️

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

Can anyone tell me what it represents that the yellow with blue ribbons that Ralph has on his chest? Is he wearing it to guide us of his talk for this? I 'd love to know about it. Can someone, please be so kind to tell me? By the way, his eyes are coloured in blue and there are yellows like little flowers, as if he was born to worship God. I found it so amusing with the Lisieux? Of Child Jesus. Anyhow, the Divine Mercy. Love St. FAUSTINA. and Ralph Fiennes. Play with Love, Divine. I love Ralph, because..., he is not sloth or gluttonous. Good luck, my angry angelic man!!! Love Sabina Tae forever. He is kissable. Would any one likes to enter Fr. Chris Alar for to spread the Divine Mercy? Hope you ever wanted to love JESUS!. Love Always.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

ukraine no?

[@ftwf666]

@@bluebellbeatnik4945 obviously

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

And it is good for you to renounce senses, when you read what I am going to say that I think that Jesus have approved of me talking to you. I think Jesus is so kind that he told me beautiful things regardless of me not yet been baptised but have been loving him as a child and stopped by my poor parents and started to had to draw him out of love and gave it to two people who I wished them to love him, and it was in 2004 the first time. And I painted him for 8month and I followed him permanently back to Seoul in 2016. And I love to take photo of Him and Mary our mother. I can't get to sleep and like talking to you, Ralph and that's all.

[@ecoelegant12]

Oh, he's just an obsessive person, isn't he. Look at this article from 2018 - ,, Ralph Fiennes saddened by UK’s ‘unhealthy’ relationship with Russia" - “That saddens me because I have personally felt enriched by my friendships with many Russians and my encounters with Russian writers and artists and theatre directors and filmmakers ever since I was a student and I think the richness of Russian culture..” etc etc. - And now what, does Fiennes admit that it was him who was wrong, not UK government? And you know what - Ukrainians are much much much more sad now. Every single day the loose spouses, children, parents. Their country is totally destroyed. But still, he talks about Russians, not Ukrainians. So, I don't like to rude, but..

[@Madtwins]

Like many, he is charmed by acceptance in Russia because of his filmmaking and theatre career. He directed "White Crow" in Russia in 2018 and casted Chulpan Khamatova, while Crimea Tatars was getting Stalin's 21 years terms for fabricated cases in Crimea. Same time - war crimes of Russia in Donbas, shot Malasian plane. He supposed to know about it but finds it's OK to go and work in Russia after 2014, because nobody gonna tell him - don't speak that language of yours here, khohol (as I heard from my ru ex-friends). I don't blame him for his blindness to colonialism or ru culture, it is just a privilege he lives in not to bother about nations oppressed by Russia. But after that he can't call himself intellectual.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

that's because he's interviewed by a russian. you can like russian culture though and not like russia's government.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

he'a wearing the ukrainian flag ribbon on his jacket. don't you think that says something?

[@FannyPlusvi]

The image of Russia in the west not only comes from films despicting russians as gangsters. It also comes from long novels (and films) like Ana Karenina or War and Peace. And if they are bothered by the gangster image it shows a bit of an inferiority complex. If russians believe is something specifically the west has against Russia they should remember films where all colombians are narcos, germans are all nazis, and all italians are mafiosi. When people feel sure of their own identity the don't mind these cliches. Nationalistic people are easily offended. Perhaps Russian state has made russians very nationalistic?

[@drnh907]

Why do you say that? Have you met any Russians or Ukrainians? Are you Japanese? Why do you think that Russian people are offended of the films? Quite often films are produced by not very clever people. Most of the film production is mainly about money not sense or truth. If you are Japanese, could you answer one question please? Why do you love Americans so much after what they had done to your people on 6 and 9 of August 1945 in Hiroshima and Nagasaki? They killed hundreds of thousands of Japanese peaceful people and your government even invite them to the memorials of those events?

[@FannyPlusvi]

@@drnh907 Did you see the whole interview with Ralph Fiennes? The jornalist asks at one point why in the west all russians are despicted as gangsters. As I don't believe that's true I gave my opinion. I'm not japanese (wasted your criticism against Japan, sorry!) and frankly I'm not interested to know where are you from but I have my suspicions :-) Fortunately I'm free to write a comment that wasn't offensive or rude. It is just my opinion. No more, nor less. I suppose you are free to give yours. And now, even more, I think nationalistic people are easily offended. Regards. PS: Yes, I've met many people born in Ucrania and Russia. Some I like, some I don't, as in everywhere.

[@elena__sh]

I don’t suppose Russians are any different from any other nations in the way they get offended by the stereotypes. Some Russians get offended, others take it easy. You were right that the state is trying to make people think in a more nationalistic way, but most importantly the regime wants to make people more compliant, isolated and distrustful to each other. It wants to eliminate critical thinking in people and instill fear instead.

[@PUARockstar]

Indeed russians are easily offendable and nationalistic

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

St. Louis the king of france. Let us pray to all the people to have the Love of God that you had and have. Let's pray forever like St. John Paul ll. I love and believe in the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of souls. Let's pray to St. John Henry Newman. Mary the mother of god. We love you!

[@user-dx7kx4fn7l]

Знать бы еще о чем речь

[@AinuVarda]

Просто включите субтитры в настройках

[@user-dx7kx4fn7l]

@@AinuVarda спасибо

[@user-iu49m8ydk2]

Есть версия с озвучкой на русскоязычном канале Зыгаря

[@taehyunjeoung1334]

You can leave Ralph alone now. Please.

[@crappymcdick]

The problem with platforming Jk Rowling is simply because she's transphobic, and very weird and aggressive about it. And she's not a philosopher mind you, there's nothing interesting she has to put on the table. She was just a writer that charmed initially because of the love of her books, which is fine in it itself but it's not unreasonable to not what to hear out her thoughts on things because she's a nasty person.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

he's taking this way too deep. chill, ralph.

[@pinkscorpion3295]

Odd thing to say. You’re watching his interview. The interviewer asked him his opinions since Ralph is a citizen and he has worked over there and has friends there . If he wants to speak . It’s his platform . Ralph is very educated and updated with world news than most actors .

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

@@pinkscorpion3295 You don't need to explain what is going on. I know what is going on. I don't care if he's 'very educated' - everyone is entitled to an opinion. I stand by what I said.

[@andromeda183]

Has the wheat price come down?? And what causes baldness in early sixties, testosterone or alopecia areata?? Whatever, this Actor's deep voice is a good sleep inducing agent. Otherwise nobody in this narcissist megalomaniac world is interested in what he has to say to his fellow earthlings. Fiennes' interviews should be complied into a book if anyone has the meticulous capability and interest. They will be good texts for humanities in high schools.

[@nicolasstavrogin8926]

Полная лажа

[@user-dx7kx4fn7l]

Знать бы перевод

[@DollyNakamura]

@@user-dx7kx4fn7l Есть вариант с синхроном

[@malina28202]

Nicholas, ты сам лажа

[@nicolasstavrogin8926]

@@malina28202 нет, это ты лажа

[@PUARockstar]

@@nicolasstavrogin8926 нет ты

[@steeneugenpoulsen8174]

Seems a bit easy to say "The war in Iraq is wrong", that is utterly pointless to say, war in the world we live in is not universally wrong. It's not wrong for Ukraine to be in a war with Russia, if your argument is that war is wrong does that mean Ukraine should not defend? Even if you remove all the "official" reasons for invading Iraq it was still not fing wrong to invade the country. Getting the reason wrong for invading might be considered wrong, but it's hardly the politicians fault that you all want this ONE UNIVERSIAL TRUTH as a reason for doing something and that they ended up picking a really flawed "truth". Iraq was a bad country, it was lead by a bad man and if anything is true is that we should have MORE of that kind of wars to stop bad people doing bad things. There is NOTHING wrong with utterly and completely destroying Russia's ability to be a country. It is not just the leadership that is broken, the people of the country will gladly support the leaderships broken view of the world, so the world would be a better place without Russia as a country. As far as I can tell you seem to have no "reason" or limit to what bad people can do, because you just define war as bad, so no matter what we should let Hitler kill jews or Russians kill Ukraine.

[@elena__sh]

It’s clear if rephrased like that: “Starting any offensive war is wrong”. Take it as Truth on the basis that it increases the total amount of violence in the world. In other words, whoever hits first, is the bully. Self-defence is okay, as long as it’s only self defence and the victim doesn’t become a bully too. Bully is always wrong. Iraq war was a mistake and betrayal of the western values. It was a violation of human rights in the name of protecting human rights.