Review of “The Kremlin Sorcerer”

Back in 2018, a review surfaced on Rotten Tomatoes that caught my attention. It made me think—was there something more to it? Like many films perceived as left-leaning, the critical acclaim was high, often boasting a 98% fresh rating. Yet, when the average viewer chimed in, those numbers would nosedive.

Take, for instance, “The Sound of Freedom.” Critics tore it to shreds, mainly because it originated from a non-Hollywood Christian studio, but did audiences share that sentiment? I find myself still checking Rotten Tomatoes, although I approach certain movies—especially those with political elements—with a skeptical eye.

Then there’s “The Kremlin Sorcerer,” which faced significant backlash even before its release. It seemed like critics were eager to express their discontent with Putin, perhaps as a way to convey their views. This made me curious about the film. If critics disliked it, maybe that was a sign of something worth watching.

An Intriguing Backdrop

What excited me about this film was the involvement of French director Olivier Assayas. While the French may not always venture far from conventions, Hollywood tends to struggle with depicting international politics in a nuanced way. The French, however, have a history of navigating complex global issues without fear.

The film’s cast adds to its appeal: Jude Law portrays President Putin, with Paul Dano as the fictional advisor, Baranov. This combination piqued my interest. And since it’s based on an acclaimed French novel, the story had a well-established narrative to follow.

Storyline Overview

The plot kicks off with an American journalist interviewing Baranov in present-day Russia about his past ties to the Putin regime. Through their discussion, Baranov recounts his life, spanning from the 1980s through the Soviet Union’s collapse and Putin’s rise. The film’s depiction of late-Soviet life is quite rare and fascinating.

Can you imagine the avant-garde theater scene in Moscow during the late ’80s? I hadn’t until I saw it portrayed. The visuals—from the interiors to the clothing and nightlife—were captivating. It felt like stepping into a world marked by the decline of the Soviet Union and the onset of a new, chaotic oligarchic rule.

Waiting for Putin

It took about 40 minutes for Putin to make his entrance, which built up the suspense nicely. While I relished Paul Dano’s portrayal of Baranov, I couldn’t help but wonder when Jude Law would show up.

Baranov stood out as refreshingly charming, different from the stereotypical Russian character: sensitive, intelligent, and even a bit aristocratic, coming from a family of high-level Communist Party members. His soft-spoken demeanor paired with his distinctly Russian features made for an interesting contrast.

As I watched, I questioned whether the film was actually shot in Russia. It certainly felt authentic, though I did notice a couple of Latvian mentions in the credits, hinting that some scenes might’ve been filmed there.

A Complex Characterization of Putin

Finally, when we meet Putin, he’s depicted as a reluctant KGB agent brought in by Baranov and his colleagues, who believe that Russia needs dynamic new leadership. Initially, Putin is content with his position, but the allure of power motivates him to make his ascent.

I found myself chuckling at Jude Law’s portrayal; there was something unexpected yet engaging about it. His performance was surprisingly nuanced, capturing Putin’s expressions without overt politicization.

An Insightful Experience

Overall, I was taken aback by the film. It struck a balance of humor, emotion, and intelligence. Sure, there were moments where exposition felt necessary, but that’s typical in adaptations. Some historical elements might have raised questions for me, yet the film largely aimed for a Western audience and presented Putin as the antagonist.

Despite that, he emerged as a complex character, especially during scenes with his old KGB associates, which offered a glimpse into his reality.

The term “Kremlin Sorcerer” felt fitting; it was one of the most thought-provoking films I’ve seen in years. If you’re looking for something different, I highly recommend giving it a shot.