Putin: The New Tsar

Putin: The New Tsar is a captivatingly grim documentary depicting the life of the contentious Russian leader, Vladimir Putin. Released in 2018 and directed by Patrick Forbes, the film skillfully encapsulates Putin's ascension, tenure, and control of the country. It provides a candid glimpse into Putin's life, which is usually shrouded in a dark, thick fog of secrecy. The film preserves its neutrality, giving us a well-rounded view of his life up to his recent years.

Vladimir Putin: an individual simultaneously fascinating and perplexing. The former KGB foreign intelligence officer, who suddenly rose to the ranks of the Russian presidency and deftly held onto the position, is a figure who has polarized opinions throughout the globe. Putin embodies an intriguing balance of intensity and intrigue - a perfect subject for a documentary.

The film opens up with Putin's humble beginnings, born in 1952 during the Soviet Union era in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg). It provides an overview of his early life, which has been subject to speculation and mythmaking. It also details his time in East Germany and stint with the KGB agency before becoming a part and parcel of Russian politics. The documentary then faithfully traces Putin's remarkable journey from an unknown bureaucrat to becoming, undeniably, one of the world's most powerful individuals.

Director Patrick Forbes has used interviews, newsreel footage, and recreations to offer viewers a deep exploration into Putin's rise to power. The film delves into his time as a KGB intelligence officer, his tenure as Deputy Mayor of St. Petersburg under Mayor Anatoly Sobchak, to his surprising appointment as Prime Minister under President Boris Yeltsin in 1999, and eventually his ascension to the presidency.

The narration by Forbes is gripped with well-stitched interviews from Russian journalists, high-ranking officials who worked closely with Putin, former friends, and people who have studied Putin extensively. These interviews form the backbone of the film, providing in-depth insight and firsthand accounts of various incidents, also shedding light on Putin's personality and leadership style.

The documentary provides an eye-opening depiction of Russian society and politics under Putin. An overview of the political climate during the Yeltsin era, meticulously described, serves as the backdrop against which Putin's rise is established. As a result, viewers get to understand the circumstances that facilitated Putin's rise to the top and how his seeming promises of stability and reconstruction attracted the Russian populace.

The film does not shy away from exploring darker themes that have surrounded Putin's presidency. Accusations of political persecution, muzzling the press, the annexation of Crimea, increasing autocratic tendencies, and alleged interference in other country's political affairs are presented without bias, letting the audience reach their conclusions.

However, it's not just a grim portrait. The movie intriguingly balances Putin's apparent patriotism, his bond with the Russian populace, his prowess in judo, his love for outdoor adventures, and his portrayal as a strongman of Russian politics, offering a humanizing touch to the otherwise intimidating figure. But it also doesn't refrain from showcasing how Putin's rule has been extensively marked by a considerable amount of controversy, allegations of corruption, and stifling dissenters.

Throughout, the documentary maintains the objective point of view, neither demonizing Putin nor glorifying him, keeping the narrative neutral and fact-based. This compelling, comprehensive view of Putin's life and leadership allows the audience to witness Putin's life story beyond news headlines and diplomatic tensions, plunging into the deep, intricate world of Russian politics.

As a whole, Putin: The New Tsar is a riveting documentary, shedding light on the life of Vladimir Putin - an enigmatic figure in world politics - which is essentially an examination of modern Russia. Its compact and comprehensive narrative makes it unmissable for enthusiasts of geopolitics, history, and power dynamics in world politics. The film offers multitudes, be it a candid biography of an influential leader, a snapshot of Russia's political climate, or a harbinger of future implications. Indeed, it's a film that strongly resonates given the continuing relevance of its central character in world politics.