Citizen K (2019)

In the intriguing documentary, "Citizen K" (2019), renowned filmmaker Alex Gibney masterfully weaves the complex tapestry of post-Soviet Russia and its tumultuous political landscape through the life of Mikhail Khodorkovsky. The prodigious rise of Khodorkovsky, once the wealthiest man in Russia, his shocking fall from grace, and the astonishing evolution into an unlikely champion of anti-Putin sentiments form the crux of this compelling narrative. The film plunges into an era where the collapse of the USSR opened a Pandora's box of chaos and opportunity. Amidst this maelish, Khodorkovsky seized the moment, creating Russia's first commercial bank, and establishing Yukos, its largest oil company. His meteoric ascent, however, was not without a price. As he began to amass unprecedented influence, the political ground beneath him shifted ominously. His public criticism of the corruption within Putin's government in 2003 marked a significant turning point, leading to his dramatic arrest on charges of fraud and the state's seizure of Yukos. Gibney's gripping tale takes an unexpected turn when Khodorkovsky, sentenced to nine years in prison, was slapped with additional charges of embezzlement and money laundering. In a Kafkaesque twist, he stood accused of stealing his own oil in what was perceived widely as a theatrical show trial, designed to silence him. The documentary, narrated by Gibney himself, is enriched by insightful interviews with Russian journalists, legal experts, and businesspeople, offering an unvarnished glimpse into the intricate web of power and intrigue that marks modern Russia. The tale culminates in Khodorkovsky's pardon and subsequent exile to England. In a surprising transformation, the once-feared oligarch emerges as an advocate for democracy and human rights in Russia. "Citizen K" (2019) is not just a biographical documentary but a political thriller - an intricate exploration of personal ambition, political maneuvering, and the indomitable spirit of a man who refused to be silenced. It is a riveting testament of an individual's journey through the Wild West of Russian capitalism, offering a unique perspective on a nation caught between radically divergent political models.

Citizen K is a documentary movie directed by Alex Gibney.

Citizen K is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on Amazon Prime Video.

It is also possible to buy Citizen K on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.