Citizen K is a documentary film directed by Alex Gibney that explores the rise and fall of Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former CEO of Russia's huge oil company Yukos. The film is split into two parts, the first chronicling Khodorkovsky's rapid ascent to wealth and influence in the chaotic post-Soviet era of Russia's economy, and the second detailing his imprisonment and transformation into a political dissident.
The film shows how Khodorkovsky went from being a small-time businessman in the early 1990s to becoming one of the most powerful figures in Russia's oil industry by the end of the decade. It explores the methods he used to build up his fortune, including his involvement in the privatization of Russia's state assets and his partnerships with other oligarchs.
However, Khodorkovsky's fortune and power were challenged by Vladimir Putin's rise to power in 2000. Khodorkovsky's outspoken criticism of Putin's regime and his push for more transparency and democracy in Russia led to his arrest on charges of tax evasion, fraud, and embezzlement in 2003. Khodorkovsky was found guilty and served ten years in prison before being released in 2013 in a controversial pardon.
The film also explores Khodorkovsky's transformation from a wealthy businessman to a political martyr and a symbol of the anti-Putin movement. It features interviews with Khodorkovsky himself, as well as former Yukos colleagues, journalists, and political figures, and provides a deep dive into the complex and turbulent world of post-Soviet Russia.
Overall, Citizen K is a fascinating look at one man's journey through the highs and lows of post-Soviet Russia, as well as a compelling portrait of the country's complex political and economic landscape.