In the early 1990s, with the Soviet Union on the brink, young KGB agent Vladimir Putin fears for his future. Uneasy with ambition, the little-known unemployed spy unleashes a series of schemes that culminate in the ultimate prize: the presidency. The Rise of Putin examines the leader’s unexpected rise to power and the abuses he wielded along the way.
Cries of corruption and serious crime have accompanied Putin every step of the way. Many believe he was the mastermind of the 1999 bombings against his own people. The attacks were blamed on Chechen rebels and led to open war. Under Putin’s leadership, the outcome of this war turned out to be successful. With his newfound fame and acclaim, and viewing voters through the prism of much-needed democratic reform, he has usurped the presidency with relative ease.
Most of Putin’s most outspoken critics have been eliminated on the matter, the film says. But the villainy doesn’t stop at this heinous act. The documentary’s narrative is filled with stories of money laundering, ties to members of organized crime and more nefarious activities that leave traces of dead bodies.
Among the film’s interviewees are crusading activists who spend a great deal of time and energy analyzing Putin’s shadowy rule. We also heard from those who knew Putin and saw him rise to power.
Your recommendation is very convincing. A former law enforcement official has boldly investigated Putin’s shadowy activities as a young spy. A construction magnate who once worked with the Kremlin on prestigious projects is now in exile and has spoken out about his intolerance for the level of brutality and corruption he continues to witness. Others spoke of their cooperation with Putin on various economic programs. We learn about his methods of gaining ultimate power and how he amassed unprecedented personal wealth.
One of the world’s most enigmatic leaders, Putin is often both fascinated and feared. Putin’s rise to power lifted the veil with enormous authority.
