Watch Trotsky

Trotsky is a 2017 Russian historical drama television series that tells the story of Lev Davidovich Trotsky, a Marxist revolutionary who played a key role in the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the ensuing Civil War. The show is directed by Alexander Kott and Konstantin Statskiy and stars Konstantin Khabensky in the titular role of Trotsky.

The show is set in the early 20th century, when Russia was in a state of political turmoil, with an autocratic monarchy ruling over a largely impoverished population. Trotsky, a young and charismatic socialist, becomes a key figure in the Bolshevik party led by Vladimir Lenin, advocating for a violent overthrow of the Russian government and the establishment of a socialist state.

The series follows Trotsky throughout his life, from his early days as a student in Odessa to his exile in Siberia, his travels across Europe and eventual return to Russia in 1917, just in time for the October Revolution. Along the way, he meets and marries his second wife, the artist Natalia Sedova (played by Olga Sutulova), and becomes embroiled in political intrigue and power struggles with other key figures in the Bolshevik party, including Stalin and Lenin.

As a historical drama, Trotsky is filled with vivid depictions of the key moments of the Russian Revolution and the Civil War, including the storming of the Winter Palace, the brutal fighting between the Red Army and the White Army, and the eventual triumph of the Bolsheviks. The show also delves into the personal lives of its characters, exploring the complex relationships between Trotsky, Sedova, and their family and friends, as well as the personalities and motivations of the other key players in the revolution.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its production design and attention to historical detail. The sets and costumes effectively transport the viewer to early 20th century Russia, while the use of archival footage and photographs adds a further layer of authenticity to the proceedings. The level of research that has gone into the show is evident in the various historical figures that appear, from Lenin and Stalin to lesser-known figures like Yakov Sverdlov and Feliks Dzerzhinsky.

Another strength of the series is its cast, led by the formidable Konstantin Khabensky in the role of Trotsky. Khabensky plays Trotsky with a magnetic intensity, capturing both his revolutionary fervor and his more tender moments with Sedova and his children. Sutulova is equally impressive as Sedova, an intelligent and independent woman who is just as committed to the revolutionary cause as her husband. Max Matveev, Evgeniy Stychkin, and Orkhan Abulov also deliver strong performances as key figures in the Bolshevik party, with Stychkin in particular standing out as the manipulative and terrifying Felix Dzerzhinsky.

Ultimately, Trotsky is a gripping and engrossing historical drama that offers a fresh take on one of the most tumultuous periods of Russian history. It is a testament to the dedication and talent of the cast and crew that the series manages to balance the complex politics of the revolution with the personal stories of its characters, resulting in a compelling and emotionally resonant portrait of a man and a revolution that changed the course of history.