Russia

About This Movie

So, 'Russia'—Theodore Holcomb's 1972 documentary—is quite a piece. It's the first time we see the Soviet Union laid bare through the eyes of an outsider, which was risky back then. The film takes you through 12 of the 15 Soviet republics, creating this almost haunting atmosphere. You really feel the weight of the history and the complexities of life in a vast, diverse country. The pacing is deliberate, allowing you to soak in each region's unique character. There’s this raw honesty in the footage, a contrast to the propaganda of the time. Holcomb’s choice to avoid a narrator keeps it immersive, like you’re experiencing it alongside him. It’s distinctive in its straightforwardness, a rare gem for documentary enthusiasts.

First uncensored Soviet documentary by an outsiderFocuses on 12 of 15 USSR republicsNotable for its raw, immersive footage