‘Mr. Nobody Against Putin’ Review: A Defiant Teacher Witnesses the Militarization of Russian Schools Amid Ukraine War in Poignant Doc

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In a friendly, vlog-style manner, Pavel “Pasha” Talankin, a captivating Russian teacher who manages both the planning and videography for all school events in his town, presents Karabash – a unique small town with a dark past. Often referred to as the most polluted spot on Earth due to its copper smelting plant, the average lifespan here is only 38 years, and cancer impacts the community at an alarming rate. Despite these grim statistics, Pasha has created a sanctuary within his classroom, nurturing bonds among students and encouraging their creative pursuits. This is the same school where Pasha studied and where his mother continues to work diligently as a librarian. Teaching holds deep significance for him. Consequently, when President Putin’s unrelenting propaganda poses a threat to his noble endeavors, he takes a stand.

As a movie reviewer, I had the privilege of watching “Mr. Nobody Against Putin,” a riveting Sundance premiere documentary directed by David Borenstein and co-directed by Talankin. This film is primarily constructed from footage captured by its courageous protagonist, Pasha himself. The documentary sheds light on the chilling militarization of Russian schools following the conflict in Ukraine.

Through Pasha’s eyes, we witness a man who is both brave and relatable, serving as the documentary’s de facto cinematographer. This gripping, enlightening, and emotional exposé provides an unprecedented human perspective on a conflict that has been extensively covered in documentaries. It offers a fresh angle that invites viewers to delve deeper into the ongoing struggle.

Government orders from Putin have instructed educators to abandon traditional lessons and instead use only approved materials. Teachers are being told that Ukraine is under control of radicals and that Russia’s adversaries are trying to destabilize the country by hiring locals as troublemakers. The atmosphere outside schools is similar to pro-war rallies in the United States, filled with a brainwashed mentality. Pasha, who already films inside the school as part of his job, collaborates with artists from other countries and starts recording footage to expose the takeover of education. In addition to filming events, Pasha also records private reflections directly into the camera, expressing his most disheartened thoughts during these solitary moments.

At one end of the educational spectrum stands Pavel Abdulmanov, an older-generation teacher who fiercely adheres to the government-approved curriculum. In a particularly misleading lesson, Abdulmanov tells his students that in the United States there are protests backing Russia. Although this classroom propagandist, who has a fondness for some of Stalin’s harshest men, may be exaggerating the truth (as he and other teachers are instructed to do), it is startling how Putin’s regime mirrors what American conservatives desire for their own country. Anytime an extreme right-wing internet troll or cable news commentator suggests that those who don’t blindly admire the United States should leave, they are essentially echoing the same sentiment as the Russian state: a yearning for ideological uniformity through the brutal suppression of dissent. This notion will likely disturb Western viewers, even if the filmmakers don’t directly compare these similarities.

To continue his actions, Pasha needs to hold back his anger and can only express minor forms of dissent, such as playing Lady Gaga’s rendition of the U.S. national anthem, which still raises questions about him. The filmmakers effectively showcase the influence of Kremlin decisions through depicting Pasha’s everyday experiences within a school setting. When Putin enacts a law that threatens anyone labeled a “traitor to the motherland” with life imprisonment, the gravity of Pasha’s undercover endeavor becomes increasingly urgent. The film includes scenes of Putin making provocative statements, not only for context but also to fulfill the documentary’s title – Putin is portrayed as Pasha’s main opponent, embodying the very thing he’s standing up against.

In the interest of security and privacy, only minimal information is disclosed regarding the teacher’s connections abroad and their role in creating the documentary. Similarly, Pasha’s personal life outside of the institution remains undisclosed, with no friends, romantic partners, or other family members visible. The background story explaining his dedication to assisting youth and why he chose this career path over others is regrettably omitted. Despite its reserved nature, Pasha’s vibrant character shines through with an authentic charm. While not explicit, Pasha hints at feeling different from other boys during his upbringing, which might suggest a subtle reference to his sexual orientation – a topic that remains delicate in Russian society. This is as personal as it gets for him.

Pasha’s interactions with students, both present and past, highlight his distinct role within the academic community, driven by a resolute spirit that fuels his unorthodox documentation. To many of these young individuals, he represents an unprecedented revolutionary influence in a system that often instills fear rather than encourages learning. Misha, a girl whose sibling has been drafted into combat, undergoes a transformation from a lively teenager to a somber one, weighed down by the imminent threat of sorrow. There’s also Vanya, a timid young man who found himself entangled in the conflict. During a gathering with his friends — Pasha among them — they helped him shave his head as an attempt to bring some levity. However, the evening concluded in tears and somber farewells. Given the escalating number of casualties among Russian soldiers, it’s no wonder the night was tinged with sadness, as Putin’s administration continues to understate the true extent of the nation’s losses.

Towards the end of the movie, Borenstein plays chilling sounds from an incident that was too dangerous for Pasha to capture on video, but crucial for the emotional impact of his story. This scene raises the question: What becomes of these students when someone like him is no longer around? The filmmakers don’t provide an answer, possibly because it’s too distressing to consider. Yet, the sight of an empty classroom, once filled with joy, speaks volumes in a heart-wrenching silence.

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2025-01-26 00:16