Watch Putin's Kiss

In 2011, the documentary "Putin's Kiss" premiered, directed by Lise Birk Pedersen. The movie follows the story of Masha Drokova, a young and energetic girl from Moscow who becomes involved with the pro-Kremlin youth group, Nashi. The group, known for its cult-like devotion to Russian president Vladimir Putin, promotes patriotism, nationalism, and loyalty to the state. As Masha rises through the ranks of Nashi, she becomes a prominent figurehead for the organization and a darling of the media.

However, as the documentary unfolds, viewers begin to notice a growing disillusionment in Masha. She meets Oleg Kashin, a journalist and outspoken critic of the Kremlin, who challenges her beliefs and ideals. This clash of personalities becomes particularly dramatic when Oleg is brutally attacked by unknown assailants, an act that Masha finds difficult to reconcile with her experiences in Nashi.

As Masha's doubts deepen, the movie moves between shots of the opulent Nashi rallies and meetings, and more intimate moments with Masha's friends and family. We learn about her relationship with her mother, who is initially supportive of Masha's activism but begins to see the dark side of the organization. We also see Masha's struggle to articulate her own beliefs and values, particularly in the face of criticism and intimidation from her peers.

Ultimately, "Putin's Kiss" serves as a portrait of a complex and evolving political landscape in modern day Russia. The movie raises important questions about the role of youth activism, the relationship between the government and the media, and the potential for political idealism to be co-opted and corrupted by those in power. Masha's journey is both illuminating and cautionary, demonstrating the power of personal agency and the importance of staying true to one's own convictions.

The film has won multiple awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam and Best Nordic Documentary at the Göteborg International Film Festival. It has been praised for its thoughtful and nuanced approach to a difficult subject, as well as its compelling portrayal of a young woman coming to terms with her own identity and values. "Putin's Kiss" is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary politics, youth culture, and the complexities of Russia's sociopolitical landscape.

Putin's Kiss is a 2012 documentary 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 6.5 and a MetaScore of 52.