Watch Lenin in Paris

Lenin in Paris is a biographical drama film about the life of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Russian Revolution and the first head of the Soviet Union, during his time in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. Directed by Sergei Yutkevich, the film stars Yuriy Kayurov as Vladimir Lenin, Valentina Svetlova as his wife Nadya, and Claude Jade as Inessa Armand, Lenin's French lover.

The movie explores Lenin's time in Paris at a crucial moment in history, as he tries to rally support for the Bolshevik cause in Russia. He is portrayed as a complex figure, a tireless revolutionary and political strategist who is consumed by his commitment to the cause, but also as a devoted husband and father.

Lenin arrives in Paris in 1908, having been exiled from Russia by the tsarist regime. He moves into a small apartment with his wife Nadya, who is pregnant with their third child. Their life in Paris is one of deprivation and hardship, as they struggle to survive on meager funds and evade the attention of the French police.

Despite these challenges, Lenin is determined to make the most of his time in Paris. He sets about organizing the Bolsheviks in exile, meeting with fellow revolutionaries and working tirelessly to build support for their cause.

One of Lenin's key relationships while in Paris is with Inessa Armand, a French socialist and feminist who becomes his lover. Inessa is portrayed as a strong and intelligent woman who shares Lenin's revolutionary ideals. Their relationship is marked by a deep emotional connection but is also complicated by the fact that Lenin is already married.

The film also depicts Lenin's relationship with other key figures of the time, such as Leon Trotsky and Jules Guesde, who are shown as both allies and rivals in the struggle for revolutionary change.

Throughout the movie, Lenin's unwavering commitment to the Bolshevik cause is portrayed as both a strength and a weakness. His single-minded focus on the goal of socialist revolution is shown to have a powerful appeal to his followers but also to alienate those who do not share his ideological perspective.

The movie culminates in the outbreak of World War I, which Lenin sees as an opportunity to promote revolution in Russia. He returns to Russia in 1917 and plays a pivotal role in the overthrow of the tsarist regime and the establishment of the Soviet Union.

Overall, Lenin in Paris is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most important figures of the 20th century. It portrays Lenin as a complex and multi-dimensional character, deeply committed to his cause but also struggling with personal relationships and the realities of exile. Through its exploration of Lenin's time in Paris, the film sheds light on the complex web of political and personal relationships that helped shape the course of history in the early 20th century.