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The President is a dramatic film released in 2014, directed by Mohsen Makhmalbaf. The film portrays a post-Soviet Central Asian country where the president holds ultimate power and authority, with no system of checks and balances. The story is a tense and harrowing reflection on the misuses of authoritarian rule. The movie revolves around a fictional President of the country, played by Mikheil Gomiashvili, who is faced with political upheaval when a popular revolution overtakes the capital city. In the midst of this coup, the president and his family are forced to flee from the political crisis and hide, running the risk of being caught and killed by the rebels who seek to execute them. The majority of the film is set on the president's journey to escape his own country.

As the president and his entourage move through the countryside, they see firsthand the devastating effects of their rule. The president, who was once untouchable and living in luxury, now finds himself on the run, living amongst peasants, without even a pair of shoes to call his own. Along the way, he meets people from all walks of life, including farmers, orphans, unwed mothers, elderly people and many more, all of whom are being oppressed by the government's policies. As they continue on their journey, the president begins to understand the true nature of his rule, which is characterized by arrogance and oppression.

The film is punctuated by moments of violence and brutality, but also heartfelt moments of tenderness, humor, and human kindness as the president encounters ordinary people in their daily lives. Despite his position of power, the president is forced to confront the harsh realities of life on the margins of society, and his journey forces him to come to terms with his own complicity in the system that oppresses his people.

Throughout the film, Gomiashvili delivers a powerful performance as the president, portraying a character who is simultaneously arrogant, brutal, and commanding, yet also vulnerable, humane, and ultimately sympathetic. Gomiashvili's portrayal captures the nuances of the character's emotional journey vividly, from his initial denial of the situation he finds himself in, to his eventual acceptance of his role in the oppression of the people and his attempt to defend them from the rebels. His performance is complemented by the supporting cast, which includes Dachi Orvelashvili and Ia Sukhitashvili, both of whom deliver strong performances in their respective roles.

The movie's production values are impressive, with the cinematography and sound design effectively capturing the stark beauty of the country and the contrasting harshness of the political situation. The film's score is powerful, with a mix of classical and traditional music that adds to the emotional impact of the scenes.

Overall, The President is a thought-provoking and engaging film that explores the complexity of power dynamics and oppressive rule. The movie offers a nuanced exploration of the politics of authoritarianism, with a gripping story, strong performances, and impressive production values. The story is both tragic and hopeful, delivering a message that is both sobering and inspiring. The President is a must-see film for anyone interested in exploring the themes of power, politics, and leadership.

The President is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 59 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 67.