Review: ‘Pussy Riot: A Punk Prayer’ 6.4.14

A fascinating glimpse into one of the most widely publicized Feminist 
anti-government demonstration groups internationally at the moment. 
More than likely you've probably heard of Pussy Riot by now but in 
case you haven't, they're a group or organization of women who are 
political demonstrators that combine punk rock music and art to 
protest the Russian government. A few years back, 3 key members were 
arrested and detained by the government for exercising their rights 
to free speech in protesting against both the Church and president 
Vladimir Putin by demonstrating a "punk prayer" in Moscow's sacred 
Cathedral of Christ the Lord our Savior. Because of this they now 
face criminal charges of blasphemy, disturbing the peace, and 
"hooliganism" (I love that last one). Which, to say is unlawful or 
unjust would be a grave understatement. It's totalitarian control and 
goes against the rights of free speech. This probing documentary not 
only shines light on each of the 3 key main Pussy Riot members who 
were prosecuted. But, even moreover, presents a controversial topic 
that is of great debate. At what point do we draw the line as 
citizens for the separation of Church and State? And if, by not doing 
so, are we perpetuating the problem and encouraging more people to do 
become activists and protest causes like this? For every activist you 
jail and detain for exercising their rights as citizens another dozen 
pop up. These are some of the topics this documentary explores, and it 
really doesn't matter what you think about Pussy Riot, their 
demonstrations, or their message. They're just a small sliver of a 
much larger debate. This was thought provoking and socially relevant 
in a way that only the best documentaries of this kind are. A must see 
if you are interested in political activism and the the kinds of 
debates drawn from them.

Grade: B+