Watch Pussy Riot: The Movement

Pussy Riot: The Movement is a documentary film that captures the essence of the Russian punk rock feminist protest group known as Pussy Riot. The movie gives an inside look into the formation of the group and their subsequent activism that had huge repercussions on the Russian society. The story begins in 2011 in Moscow, where a group of feminist activists comes together to form a music and art collective under the name Pussy Riot. These young women, inspired by the ethos of the Riot Girrrl movement of the 90s, begin to stage impromptu performances in public places, using music, dance and provocative slogans to raise awareness about social and political issues in Russia.

The film chronicles their journey as they grow in popularity, gradually becoming a symbol of resistance against the authoritarian government of Vladimir Putin. However, it was their performance at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral in February 2012, which brought them international attention.

The film takes a deep dive into the events of that day, when several members of Pussy Riot staged a punk rock prayer inside the cathedral, protesting against the church's support of Putin's regime. The footage of the cathedral performance, which shows the women wearing brightly colored balaclavas and dancing around the altar, was later released as a music video which quickly went viral.

This act of defiance put Pussy Riot in direct confrontation with the authorities, and they were soon arrested and tried on charges of hooliganism. The film documents the trial, which drew widespread criticism from both the public and the international community. The members were ultimately sentenced to two years imprisonment, leading to a huge popular outcry calling for their release.

The documentary also captures the personal journeys of the members of Pussy Riot during their time in prison. We see them battling depression, isolation and abuse, yet never losing their spirit of resistance. The film also highlights the important role played by the international community, including human rights organizations and celebrities, in supporting the cause of Pussy Riot.

What makes Pussy Riot: The Movement so compelling is the way in which it blends together various elements to give a complete picture of the group and their impact. The film draws on interviews with members of Pussy Riot as well as with their supporters, friends and family. We see archival footage of their performances, as well as footage shot by members using their phones while in custody.

The film also touches upon the larger social and political context in which Pussy Riot emerged, with a particular focus on the rise of Putin's authoritarian regime and the increasing repression of opposition voices. This contextualization is especially important in understanding why Pussy Riot's activism had such a powerful impact within Russia and beyond.

In conclusion, Pussy Riot: The Movement is a powerful and important documentary that shines a light on the courage and resilience of the members of Pussy Riot as well as their larger struggle for social justice in Russia. The film is a fitting tribute to the movement and its legacy, which will continue to inspire people around the world for years to come.

Pussy Riot: The Movement is a 2013 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2.