Is The Term. Beginning of a Big Story Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

📖 The Core Premise

The Term. Beginning of a Big Story returns to the screen in 2014, bringing a fresh narrative to the Documentary genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "The documentary project The Term was conceived in May 2012. When the directing trio commenced mapping the Russian sociopolitical landscape, Vladimir Putin had just settled into the Kremlin for his third term. The original experimental format of “documentary bulletins,” which were published daily online, allowed for wide-ranging content; in the feature film version, however, the filmmakers focused solely on the members of various opposition groups. Nevertheless, the work’s neutral position remains and viewers have to interpret the objectively presented situations for themselves. The main characteristics of this strongly authentic movie include close contact with the protagonists, precise editing, and an effectively controlled release of information."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Kseniya Sobchak attempts to elevate the material, but the direction leaves them with little to work with. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Term. Beginning of a Big Story worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Term. Beginning of a Big Story misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 83 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.