Watch Khodorkovsky

Khodorkovsky is a 2011 documentary film directed by Cyril Tuschi. The film is a comprehensive account of the life of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once the richest man in Russia and head of Yukos, one of the largest oil companies in the country. The film follows the rise and fall of Khodorkovsky, detailing his early business ventures, his acquisition of Yukos, his imprisonment and the subsequent controversy surrounding his incarceration.

The film begins with an overview of Khodorkovsky's early life, which was marked by his family's migration to Moscow and his enrollment in a prestigious business school. After graduating, Khodorkovsky formed a business partnership with several friends and began buying up state-owned businesses, which were being privatized following the fall of the Soviet Union. The film then explores the acquisition of Yukos, the oil company that would make Khodorkovsky one of the wealthiest men in Russia. The film follows Khodorkovsky's public profile at this time, including his support for liberal reforms within Russia, his influence over the press, and his international dealings with ExxonMobil.

In 2003, Khodorkovsky was arrested on charges of fraud and tax evasion. The film explores the scandal surrounding his imprisonment, including accusations of a politically motivated conspiracy and human rights abuses. The film argues that Khodorkovsky was being punished for his political ambitions and his perceived threat to the power of the Kremlin. The film also details Khodorkovsky's life in prison, including his transformation from a brash businessman to a more thoughtful statesman. The film includes interviews with Khodorkovsky's family, his lawyers, and other key players in the case, as well as extensive footage of the trial.

The film concludes with Khodorkovsky's release from prison in 2013, following a presidential pardon from Vladimir Putin. The film examines Khodorkovsky's return to public life, including his support for opposition movements within Russia and his continued advocacy for human rights. The film also analyzes the political landscape in Russia in the years following Khodorkovsky's imprisonment, including the rise of Putin's authoritarian regime and the ongoing struggle for democracy within the country.

Overall, Khodorkovsky is a powerful documentary that provides a comprehensive and compelling account of a key figure in Russian politics and business. The film is well-researched and well-edited, with a strong narrative that carries the viewer through the complex history of modern Russia. The film is also a testament to the power of political imprisonment to shape and transform individuals, and to the resilience of human rights advocates in the face of adversity. For anyone interested in Russian history, politics, or human rights, Khodorkovsky is a must-see documentary.

Khodorkovsky is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 73.