Watch My Perestroika

My Perestroika is a 2010 documentary film directed by Robin Hessman. The film tells the story of five ordinary Russians, now in their 40s or 50s, who grew up in the Soviet Union during the era of perestroika. The film follows their lives over the course of several years, documenting their experiences and reflections on the past, present, and future.

The film opens with a montage of vintage Soviet footage, setting the stage for the stories to come. The first character introduced is Ruslan, a former punk rocker turned businessman who owns a chain of upscale boutiques. He reflects on his youth in Moscow, when he and his friends rebelled against the staid Communist regime through their music and fashion. Ruslan now lives a comfortable life with his wife and children, but he admits to feeling a sense of nostalgia for the days before capitalism took hold.

The second character is Olga, a history teacher who struggles to make ends meet on her meager salary. She recalls her childhood in a communal apartment with dozens of other families, and reflects on the changes that have taken place in Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. Olga worries about the education system in her country, and expresses concern about the rise of nationalism and xenophobia.

The third character is Andrei, a former member of the Komsomol (the Communist Party's youth organization) who now works as a tour guide. He reflects on his disillusionment with the Soviet system, and the sense of betrayal he felt when it collapsed. Andrei has mixed feelings about perestroika - on the one hand, he believes it brought much-needed reforms to the Soviet economy, but on the other hand, he laments the loss of Soviet values and traditions.

The fourth character is Lyuba, a stay-at-home mother who cares for her two children while her husband works long hours as a cab driver. She reminisces about the days when she and her friends dreamed of becoming astronauts, before reality set in and they settled for more modest careers. Lyuba worries about the future of her children in a rapidly changing society, and wonders if they will have the same opportunities she did.

The final character is Borya, a former member of the Communist Party who now works as a street sweeper. He reflects on his past as a true believer in the Soviet system, and the gradual disillusionment he experienced as he realized the corruption and inefficiency of the government. Borya believes that perestroika was necessary, but he mourns the loss of the sense of community and purpose that he felt under the old regime.

Throughout the film, these five narratives are intercut with archival footage and interviews with experts on Soviet history and culture. The film touches on a variety of themes, including identity, memory, nostalgia, and the tension between tradition and modernity. Although the film is set in Russia, it speaks to universal issues that transcend national borders and political systems.

One of the most intriguing aspects of My Perestroika is the way in which it illuminates the complexities of cultural memory. Each of the characters has their own unique experience of the Soviet era, shaped by their social class, family background, and personal aspirations. Some remember the Soviet era fondly, while others view it with suspicion or disdain. By presenting their stories in parallel, the film invites the viewer to consider the ways in which memory is shaped by individual perspective and collective history.

Overall, My Perestroika is a powerful and thoughtful documentary that offers a nuanced and intimate portrait of life in post-Soviet Russia. The film is beautifully shot and expertly edited, weaving together personal narratives, historical context, and political analysis in a way that is both engaging and informative. Whether you are interested in Russian history and culture, or simply enjoy compelling human stories, My Perestroika is a film not to be missed.