Watch Citizen K

Citizen K is a thought-provoking documentary from acclaimed filmmaker Alex Gibney that explores the life and career of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, one of the wealthiest men in Russia during the 1990s and early 2000s. However, his rise to power was short-lived when he landed in a Siberian prison for ten years on charges of tax evasion. The film opens with Khodorkovsky narrating his life story, beginning with his early days as a young man in post-Soviet Russia, where he became a successful entrepreneur and founded the oil company Yukos. He talks about how he worked closely with Putin's administration until he fell out of favor with the Russian president for his political views, which were seen as a threat to Putin's power.

The documentary delves into the complexities of Russia's political landscape and the power structures established by Putin's administration. Interviews with Khodorkovsky's former colleagues and business associates help to paint a picture of the cutthroat world of Russian oligarchs and the challenges they faced in navigating the country's complex political climate.

Through interviews with Khodorkovsky himself, the audience gains insight into his personal beliefs and political aspirations. He speaks candidly about his hopes for a more democratic Russia and his desire to use his wealth and influence to create positive change in his country. However, his arrest and time in prison were a harsh reminder of the realities of Russian politics and the dangers of speaking out against those in power.

In addition to Khodorkovsky's story, Citizen K also examines the broader political landscape in Russia and the rise of Putin. The film features interviews with Putin himself as well as his closest advisors and critics, providing a nuanced look at the complex power dynamics at play in Russia's government.

Throughout the film, Gibney highlights the ways in which Putin has consolidated power and stifled dissent, particularly in the aftermath of Khodorkovsky's trial. The documentary also explores the role of the media in shaping public perception of Putin's government and the challenges faced by independent journalists and activists who seek to hold those in power accountable.

Overall, Citizen K is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that offers a unique perspective on Russian politics and power dynamics. Through Khodorkovsky's story, viewers gain insight into the challenges faced by those who seek to challenge the status quo in Russia, and the difficulties of building a truly democratic society in the face of entrenched political interests.

While the film doesn't offer easy answers or solutions to the challenges it explores, it does serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting free speech and preserving independent journalism in any society. As Khodorkovsky himself notes, the fight for democracy and human rights is a never-ending battle, and Citizen K serves as a powerful testament to the importance of that fight.

Citizen K is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 76.