Trotsky is a 2017 Russian biographical television mini-series that delves into the life of Leon Trotsky, a prominent figure in the Russian Revolution.
Directed by Alexander Kott and Konstantin Statsky, the series stars Konstantin Khabensky in the titular role. It premiered on Channel One in Russia on November 6, 2017, coinciding with the centenary of the Russian Revolution. The series is notable for being a high-budget artistic representation of Trotsky, whose legacy was largely taboo during much of the Soviet period.
The narrative is structured around flashbacks that frame Trotsky's life during his asylum in Mexico City from 1939 to 1940. The first episode opens with an assassination attempt on Trotsky's life, prompting him to reflect on his past and the events that led to his exile. Throughout the series, viewers witness Trotsky's rise as a revolutionary leader and his eventual fall from power as he confronts the growing influence of Joseph Stalin.
While Trotsky received considerable attention and became one of the most popular TV series in Russia during its release, it also faced criticism for historical inaccuracies. Historians have pointed out misrepresentations of key Soviet figures, including Trotsky and Lenin, and the broader events of the Russian Revolution. Critics argue that the series portrays Trotsky in a manner that invokes antisemitic tropes and downplays significant aspects of his assassination.
Despite the controversy, the series garnered several awards for its production quality, including accolades for sound, editing, and special effects. It has been described as a compelling dramatization that seeks to weave a fictional narrative around the basic facts of Trotsky's life, while also reflecting contemporary Russian views on revolution and history. The series has been made available on streaming platforms, allowing a wider audience to engage with this complex historical figure and the events that shaped modern Russia.