The opening shot, two old men discussing the upcoming Russian elections over a shot of vodka, sets the tone of the film. They – and the rest of Russia – are on the fence about the upcoming election. Two choices are presented; voting for one of the multitude of opposition candidates or reelecting Russian president Vladimir Putin for a third term. One road brings about a drastic change, a departure from the regime that has ruled the nation since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, that could either improve or damage their freedom. The other maintains stability, preventing the possibility of worsening the state of Russia.
This conflict between the supporters of the regime and the members of the opposition frames the film as it depicts the events leading up to the reelection of Putin in March of 2012. The camera follows the lives of multiple opposition leaders as they plan rallies and election plans to reveal to the world the true nature of Russia under Putin. However, rather than keeping an eye on one particular storyline, Winter, Go Away! shows the diversity of the individuals involved in the protest movement.
The film, which brings to light a dark truth that the world has seemed to ignore, is very entertaining. The mix of discussions between high-level figures and footage taken during tension-filled protests holds the viewer’s eye. However, I feel that if you aren’t interested in international politics then this may not be the best film for you. But if you are into high-energy political films, then Winter, Go Away! is a can’t-miss opportunity.
By Brett Stover
