There is very little context offered in this doc, so one should come into it with a decent understanding of Russian history already -- or, at least, modern Russian history. Many questions are left unanswered. For example: HOW, exactly, did Putin come to power? It is amazing when one considers that he grew up poor in Leningrad. This is only briefly mentioned but never expanded upon in terms of his path to President. WHY, exactly, did Yeltsin choose him over his other options? Etc.
Maybe the most memorable part of the doc comes when Yeltsin sits patiently for Putin to call, after Putin has won the election. Of course, Putin never calls. It seems that Yeltsin really did believe in freedom and democracy, and Putin managed to trick Yeltsin. Sad.
That said, there is certainly historical value in much of this footage, although it is often shaky, dark, and hard to watch. I'm not sure the orchestra section was necessary; don't think it added much value. Nonetheless, it is rare--unrehearsed footage of Yeltsin with his family and Putin around the time of his initial "election". Putin waxes poetic on the effectiveness of democracy and one actually wonders if he believes his own BS here. Of course, even at this time, he likely already didn't believe in democracy. It was all a show for the camera and Putin's little speech in the car at the end shows that he can be a pretty good actor.
Maybe the most memorable part of the doc comes when Yeltsin sits patiently for Putin to call, after Putin has won the election. Of course, Putin never calls. It seems that Yeltsin really did believe in freedom and democracy, and Putin managed to trick Yeltsin. Sad.
That said, there is certainly historical value in much of this footage, although it is often shaky, dark, and hard to watch. I'm not sure the orchestra section was necessary; don't think it added much value. Nonetheless, it is rare--unrehearsed footage of Yeltsin with his family and Putin around the time of his initial "election". Putin waxes poetic on the effectiveness of democracy and one actually wonders if he believes his own BS here. Of course, even at this time, he likely already didn't believe in democracy. It was all a show for the camera and Putin's little speech in the car at the end shows that he can be a pretty good actor.