Watch The President

The President is a gripping drama and political thriller set against the backdrop of a fictional post-Soviet country. The movie follows the story of an aged and ailing President, played by Makhmudzhan Ergashev, who is about to lose his grip on power. His cabinet ministers and advisers are busy jockeying for position and plotting their next moves. The country is on the brink of war, and political tensions are running high.

The film opens with the President attending his grandson's wedding, which is interrupted by a violent protest outside the venue. The President, who is tired and unwell, heads back to his presidential palace, where he orders his security chief to disperse the protesters with force. In the ensuing chaos, several civilians are killed by the security forces.

As the situation spirals out of control, the President is faced with a difficult decision. He can either continue to order his troops to suppress the protests and risk losing the support of the people, or he can try a more conciliatory approach and negotiate a settlement with the opposition. The President chooses the latter, but his efforts to defuse the crisis are thwarted by his own cabinet ministers, who have other plans.

One of the President's closest advisers, Azamat (Alisher Touraev), hatches a plot to overthrow the President and seize power for himself. He enlists the support of the military and stages a coup, sending the President into hiding. As the country lurches towards civil war, the President must rally his supporters and find a way to reclaim his rightful place as the country's leader.

The President is an expertly crafted political thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The movie is richly textured and beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the rugged beauty of the Central Asian landscape. The characters are expertly portrayed by a talented cast, who bring a depth and complexity to their roles that makes them feel real and fully formed.

One of the standout performances in the movie comes from Makhmudzhan Ergashev, who plays the President with an understated elegance and gravitas. Despite his frailty and failing health, the President remains a formidable presence, holding the respect and admiration of his supporters even as he is threatened by his enemies. Ergashev's performance is nuanced and subtle, conveying the weight of experience and the burden of responsibility that come with holding high office.

Alisher Touraev, who plays Azamat, the President's trusted adviser turned traitor, is equally impressive in his performance. Touraev imbues his character with a ruthless ambition and a simmering anger that make him both compelling and terrifying. As Azamat's plot to seize power unfolds, Touraev ratchets up the tension, creating a truly gripping villain who is both charismatic and despicable.

The movie's pacing is superb, slowly building towards a climactic showdown between the President and his enemies. Along the way, there are many twists and turns, as the plot thickens and the stakes become higher. The director, Mohsen Makhmalbaf, creates a palpable sense of tension and urgency, using close-ups and fast-paced editing to keep audiences engaged.

Overall, The President is a must-see movie for anyone who loves political thrillers or dramas. The story is gripping and the performances are top-notch, making it a truly memorable cinematic experience. It offers a timely commentary on the nature of power, the limits of democracy, and the dangers of political ambition. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The President is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 31 minutes.