Watch Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer

In 2012, the punk rock feminist group Pussy Riot became a global sensation when they staged an unauthorized guerrilla performance inside Moscow's Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This act of protest was a direct response to the Russian Orthodox Church's declaration of support for President Vladimir Putin during his re-election campaign. The members of Pussy Riot were arrested and charged with "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred," a crime that carried a prison sentence of up to seven years. Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer is a documentary that chronicles the events leading up to the performance, the subsequent trial, and the global outcry that followed.

The film is directed by Mike Lerner and Maxim Pozdorovkin and features interviews with members of Pussy Riot, as well as footage from the trial and the protests that erupted around the world. The documentary also delves into the history of the group, which was founded in 2011 by Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, Mariya Alyokhina, and Yekaterina Samutsevich. The women, who were all in their early 20s at the time, were motivated by a desire to use music as a means of political protest and to draw attention to the glaring inequalities in Russian society.

The film explores the political and cultural context of Pussy Riot's protest, examining the role of the Church in Putin's government and the ways in which the state has cracked down on dissent. It also sheds light on the conditions inside Russia's prison system, where many dissidents and activists have been sent over the years.

Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer is also a celebration of the power of art and music to effect change. The punk rock ethos of the group is evident throughout the film, as they defiantly refuse to back down in the face of intimidation and violence. The documentary is a testament to the bravery of these women, who put their own freedom on the line in order to speak out against injustice.

Overall, Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer is a powerful and moving documentary that sheds light on a moment in history that captured the world's attention. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collective action, and it serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to be silenced in the face of oppression. Whether you are a fan of punk rock or not, this film is essential viewing for anyone who cares about freedom of expression and social justice.

Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer is a 2013 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 72.