Farewell, Leiba.
Leon.
A letter for you. From Frida.
That's strange.
What does she want?
You didn't allow me to paint your portrait.
So here's mine. I miss my Leon very much.
PETROGRAD. MAY, 1917.
Comrade Trotsky! Comrade Trotsky!
I was waiting for you by the first carriage. I thought you prefer comfort...
But you're close to us.
This way.
WARSAW-SAINT PETERSBURG
You've been in America for a while, comrade Trotsky.
-You missed all the revolution. -Revolution has just begun.
So Lenin said.
Shame that still not everyone supports our ideas.
Yours. I'm not in the party yet.
For the Soviet rule!
Well, comrade Trotsky... Your former and future apartment.
Mom. Why are they looking at us like that?
Sergei, speak Russian, please.
Welcome back, Comrade Trotsky.
Blacks live like this in New York.
After the revolution no one would, Lev.
-Bags? -Put them in that room.
Good afternoon. May I speak to Sir Trotsky?
I'd like to avoid the word "sir".
Alexander Kerensky would like to speak with you.
Minister-Chairman of the Provisional Government.
I assume that you know that.
About the fragile diarchy of the modern Russia.
The army and the gendarmerie are in your hands, so far.
The bourgeoisie is kind and loyal.
Yet the working class pays no attention to you.
You are exactly right.
We don't get any recognition from the workers.
ALEXANDER KERENSKY LAWYER
Therefore we can't control these strikes, riots and commotions.
Only the Soviet of Workers' Deputies can do this.
Impostors!
And they are all glad to listen to that psycho Lenin.
While he only thinks about power.
This is why the Soviets boycott all our initiatives. It's sabotage.
Forget my rude interruption, Alexander... What do you want?
I've read some of your works. I find you more reasonable.
Meanwhile, the workers respect you at the same level.
We'd like to get your help. In order to restrain strikes.
The thing is that I'm not here to restrain, but to lead these strikes.
Listen, Leon. We all wanted this revolution.
After the Tsar's demise, Russia gets a new chance.
A chance to choose the civilized European way. Democracy and republic.
I lived in Europe for far longer than you.
I saw their democracies and republics. Rubbish.
-Not more freedom than with kings. -So you like uncontrolled chaos better?
You know what I like?
I'd like to break your whole world into pieces.
I'll take over Petrograd.
And finish the revolution across the globe.
Even if I end up being torn apart.
And I'm not going to make agreements with you or anyone else.
Gentlemen, a moment, please!
...Mr. Trotsky.
MEXICO. AUGUST, 1940.
We have one thing in common, at least, Leon.
We both saw my wife naked.
Don't show off, boys. The whole world saw me naked.
Frank. Come on in. Meet everyone.
This is Frida Kahlo. And her husband, Diego Rivera.
Not only are they world-famous artists,
but also earnest socialists.
-You were right again, Leon. -About what?
He said that you still share such concepts as soreness
but will return nonetheless to finish what you've started.
Senor Trotsky forgot to add that I don't value 9 out of 10 words of his.
-That is the key to our communication. -You don't say.
I'll come back later. After all your provocations.
Don't be like that.
Let's send the corrupted woman to paint old Trotsky's portrait
while drinking this ambrosia. Take a seat!
No, no! Frida, it's not at all good.
You won't paint me in this.
Leon! But this costume symbolizes vicious aggression!
Bright colors suit your soul!
I'm a materialist. I don't believe in the soul.
You are just used to dictating your rules! And never listening to others!
Yes. That's the point.
This is why you've never had true associates.
Even Lenin couldn't work with you.
Lenin was always jealous of me.
He wanted to put me away from the political arena.
And in the manner that wouldn't discredit him in front of the party.
NEWS OF THE PETROGRAD SOVIET OF WORKERS' DEPUTIES
Despite the fact that Comrade Trotsky isn't a Bolshevik,
our party recommends him as a new member of the executive council.
I remind you that Comrade Trotsky
was in the Soviet of Workers' Deputies in 1905.
Enormous experience.
For many of us, Leon became a symbol of the first Russian revolution.
The main point is that he is highly reputed among the workers.
For us, ignoring such authority would be unwise at the very least.
Dear comrades, I ask you to vote
for who is to be appointed
to the Executive Council of the Petrograd Soviet.
Good afternoon.
-Shaggy kike... -Nose like a pike!
-What time is it? -Two o'jew.
And the third is coming.
Thank you, Maria.
-Good afternoon. -No bread left.
-Wait, but... That woman just... -Was just here. Now it is not.
Now, comrades, who is against?
Sergei! Sergei! Get away from him!
-Lev! Sergei! -I said, get away!
Where's your service cap?
Thank you, comrades.
Damn Lenin.
He praises me... while his minions discredit my reputation.
Thank you.
He's afraid of losing power but avoids open conflicts.
Because workers like me.
The boys have been bullied again.
Maybe we shouldn't have messed with the Bolsheviks. So much hatred...
They are popular among the workers.
There are no workers at the school. Those are merchants' children.
There will be no merchants after my rule.
And no bread today again.
Take this until it's settled.
Stop fooling around, Leon. Or I'll never finish this.
I don't have much time. Leon!
Since when do you think about time?
You didn't come here to paint.
Right?
-You're an amusing man, Rivera. -Why so?
I heard that you housed Trotsky three years ago.
But instead of gratitude, he slept with your wife.
Not if I trust rumors...
Love, like talent, can't belong to one man.
So, after Trotsky betrayed you, you took your woman to date him?
SeÃ±or Jacson!
You look serious. Why is that?
We're discussing the concept of betrayal.
He said that it's narrow-minded. Or even bourgeois.
It's simple, Jacson. If there is no private property,
and everything is reachable,
there's no need in the possessive instinct.
So betrayal became impossible.
My dream world includes the concept of fidelity.
Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!
So, if the word "fidelity" is funny to you
and "betrayal" is a bourgeois prejudice, tell us about...
Nikolai Markin.
Leon, who is Markin? Leon.
A man from my past.
Good afternoon.
I see. Yep.
What can I say... I'd give you 25 rubles.
26, if you ask very nicely.
Of course, I'm not saying anything, you can go to Mendel on the Liteinaya
to hear his "22" and return to me.
-Give me my money. -Hello there, old man!
Nikolai! Long time no see. I began to worry.
-Why are you standing? Nikolai has come. -Don't worry, uncle kike.
You know us: honor, clemency, justice.
-The whole bunch? -I assure you.
Alright, keep breathing.
Let's go.
-This is too much. -Please.
At least the street is safe.
No one will treat me like Feldman was treated.
He was found dead.
Your 26 rubles.
Shurovich never cheats. Not even when he's robbed.
Pick it up.
No fuss, you!
Now pick it up.
Hey, riffraff!
-Are you lost? -What's the matter, brothers?
-We can share, if you want. -That's my domain, lad.
Don't shiver so hard. Pick up your money.
Sharovich is greedy. He won't give you more. Take it.
-Thank you. -A "thank you" doesn't pay the bills.
Five rubles. Lads will celebrate.
Yes, just a second.
-Damn. -Wait a second!
Is that... Is that yours?
Yes.
You're Trotsky!
Lads, it's Trotsky! Here. I didn't know it was you.
May I shake your hand, comrade? Please.
I'm Nikolai Markin.
Leon! I grew up on your works. You write the right things!
Oh, my... How was that? Proletarian dictatorship.
Everything must be clear. Honor, clemency...
Sad that you're a Jew.
After the revolution... There would be no Russians.
No Jews... Just wouldn't be, comrade.
Offended? No offense. No hard feelings.
Even if he's a Jew. Such a man!
Come on now, take it back!
Listen.
If you need something... Just say the word.
Thank you.
-Don't you understand? Get away from him! -Two o'jew.
Don't you understand?
No place left, I told you!
How many times... It won't. Go.
Hello, Natalia.
There was nothing for you last time.
Here's your previous share. And this one.
You should've mentioned that you know Nikolai.
As Kronstadt sailors we place full confidence in Comrade Trotsky.
We also demand that the hero of 1905
would become a part of the Soviets.
Who is for making Leon Trotsky a member of the Petrograd Soviet?
Thank you.
I can't even watch you shaking hands with Lenin.
There's no rush in politics, Natalia. Lenin is the leader of the Bolsheviks,
I need Lenin's men, so I should avoid conflicts.
Why aren't you a Bolshevik?
It's too early. No place for two.
What?
Come on. I'll discredit Lenin first.
Then I'll take his place as the head of the party.
Curious politics. Just like dogs.
First sniff asses, then tear apart.
What stands between you? Lenin seems nice.
The world. The whole world.
RUSSIAN FORCES ARE ADVANCING!
KERENSKY'S ADVANCE HAS FAILED ALL ALONG THE LINE
THE SITUATION IN PETROGRAD GROWS INTENSE
HALF A MILLION TAKE PART IN A PRO-BOLSHEVIK DEMONSTRATION IN PETROGRAD
SOCIALIST-REVOLUTIONARIES ACCUSE THE BOLSHEVIKS OF CONSPIRACY
WORKERS AND SOLDIERS DEMAND THE RESIGNATION OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT
KORNILOV'S VICTORY
You lead one of the last combat effective units of the Russian army.
While all the others panic and retreat,
you've managed to consolidate your sector of the front
and capture the Austro-Hungarians.
Glad to serve my country.
I want to make you the Defense Minister.
Ask for as many units as you need.
We need to stop this damn German invasion.
What a performance, general. But who made it happen?
I'll tell you. It was you. You were afraid to make your hands dirty.
Don't go too far.
I represent the civil authorities. The problem is in the army.
This way.
I'll show you your "civil authorities".
Look at this. An agitator of the Bolsheviks.
The party which is not only tolerated, but is allowed to print this.
Here's what he was distributing to the soldiers. Have a look.
"No Germans or Russians... Just a laborer and an exploiter...
Throw away your rifles. Shoot officers...
Not each other."
And after that my people get into fights!
Your damn liberalism couldn't even try stopping it.
I don't want to start bloody chaos.
Fire!
The only way to avoid chaos is to do this.
I'm ready to accept your offer. With one condition.
Back in Petrograd,
you'll deal with the Bolsheviks, who break my army from the inside.
You're right. They can't be allowed to rule.
-I'll wait for a legal reason... -Why wait?
If I see one of these once again...
I swear, I'll order a move to Petrograd.
I'll personally hang those who printed it
and those who allowed it.
Farewell.
Join the Bolsheviks! The Bolsheviks have a precise course of action!
Are you going to be a Bolshevik?
I have to give Lenin credit.
That was the long way from hatred to the popular love.
-Familiar faces! -Dad! Mom!
-We were at the shooting gallery! -Oh?
-I shot with a rifle! -Good. Let them buy candies.
-Thanks, mom! -Thanks, mom!
Best regards to the Jews from the Baltic sailors!
I appreciate your efforts, comrade.
But if I ask you to meet the boys after school,
it means to meet them after school. Not to take them to a shooting range.
What's wrong with you today? We went to a shooting range, so what?
A man should be able to handle a weapon.
I can't. Who am I?
I am simply not interested in this.
-Easy, Leon. -Why, don't worry.
-I can teach. Not a big deal. -Hands off.
-I should go. -Should I go too?
Just look at him. Escort Natalia with the boys to our home.
Did I say something wrong?
Let's go.
Join the Bolsheviks! The Bolsheviks have a precise course of action!
-Where are you from? -Me? From Penza.
The village Russian Syromias.
What? This is after the river Syromias.
There's also a Tatar one. Yep.
And the streets are: First Syromias, Second Syromias, Third Syromias.
Can't get lost there.
Penza is far from the sea. Why are you a sailor?
I was never asked. I was called up, that's all.
But I'm glad. I really like storms, Natalia.
I worked in a bureau before that.
You won't believe: I drank because of the boredom.
Why won't I believe?
The last one is the bourgeois!
-Thank you for the company. -I can go further.
No need, we'll be fine. Thanks.
THE PETROGRAD SOVIET. JULY, 1917.
To Comrade Trotsky.
Yes.
I don't get you.
What exactly don't you get?
I don't get... Why are you here in the revolution at all?
We're building a fair world for laborers and peasants.
And you? You're a white-collar.
So is Vladimir Lenin.
-So what? -No, you're confused, Trotsky.
Lenin... He's like an icon in a godless world.
What kind of an icon are you? You're a Jew.
We'll build a new world. For everyone.
No. We are building the world not for everyone.
Leon!
I wanted to go home, but I decided to wait until my lad came. Here you are.
Don't be mad at me, alright? Ah? Deal?
Despite my bad tongue. I always talk first and then think.
I'm not quick-minded... But wholeheartedly by your side.
Wholeheartedly, I tell you. Believe me.
Care for a drink?
You know... Think whatever you like.
But you are my dear friend.
Despite being a Jew.
I'd cut throats for you. For clemency, honor...
Justice, I know. Nikolai, I...
I'm going to need your help. Yours and... your folk. In Kronstadt.
No problem! Leon, my lad! I'll do what I can.
See ya.
Comrades! Red Kronstadt!
Bourgeois ministers are drowning us in a swamp of war.
They arrest our comrades and send them to jails.
Meanwhile, the ordinary people live as they used to live before.
In the Tsarist times. Am I right?
That's right!
How long should we suffer?
To hell with ministers! For the Bolshevik regime!
-That's right! -Long live red Kronstadt!
Glory and pride of the revolution!
Let's go to Petrograd! Let's show who's in charge!
Go! Make them listen!
Yes! Yes!
No more suffering!
-Long live Lenin! -Hooray!
-Long live the Bolsheviks! -Hooray!
Let's set our brothers free!
Let's go.
What's going on there?
Alexey, run!
Fellow prisoners! Freedom!
All the prisoners were set free?
Who's responsible?
I see.
DOWN WITH THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT!
Now we have a valid legal reason. Give an order.
To arrest all Bolshevik leaders for the attempted rebellion.
The primary target is Lenin.
Breaking news!
The Cossacks crushed the rebellion! The Bolshevik leaders left the city!
Breaking news! The Bolshevik leaders left the city!
The Cossacks crushed the rebellion!
The Bolshevik leaders left the city! Breaking news!
You haven't slept yet?
Have you packed the bag?
Don't be afraid.
We found out that this dirty provocation was arranged by the Bolsheviks.
Fortunately, we were able to prevent this stab in the back.
I gave the order that all Bolshevik leaders should be arrested.
But all of them ran away.
Including their leader Lenin. Therefore, I have an announcement.
May I have your attention?
As you know, I've never hidden my sympathies towards Bolshevik ideas.
Now, when all their leaders abandoned hundreds of thousands of laborers,
soldiers and sailors,
I declare myself a Bolshevik.
-What is he doing? -Leaving no choice.
I confess that I took part in the arrangements of the rallies.
I regret nothing. And I won't run away.
If so, you should be arrested. Take him!
Victory will be ours.
Because the truth is on our side.
-Trotsky is a hero of the revolution! -That's right!
Trotsky! Trotsky! Trotsky!
Natalia, everything will be fine. I love you.
TROTSKY IS ARRESTED
Your campaign against the Bolsheviks has been great so far, Mr. Kerensky.
You arrested one, all the others are gone. Your only prisoner is alive and kicking.
You have no idea what could happen after his execution.
-Besides... -I don't care!
If you don't shoot him by this evening, I'll march on Petrograd.
I'll execute both of you.
So? That's it for you, kike.
You thought Kerensky would set you free in a few months? No.
General Kornilov is on the march. He'll have no mercy for you.
You'll be first to be hanged somewhere.
Natalia. Really, Natalia...
-No, I'm... -No one expected that!
There should be some other way!
Natalia, listen... The Cossacks guard the jail now.
Nikolai, I beg you... Find some way, please!
For me! Help me, please!
Enough!
Enough. Don't leave the house.
If I don't return, leave the city. All of you.
Hey, fellas! Why so serious? So serious...
I have a question. For your boss. Just one question.
This is the residence of the Minister-Chairman.
-Really? -No admission without a pass.
A pass, huh?
Wait... Wait. Here somewhere... Just a minute.
Where... I had it!
Nice boots.
Careful, buddy.
Stop!
What's the matter, guys? What's wrong?
-What's going on? -He wanted to break through.
-Arrest him. -You can do that.
I have a message. From General Kornilov.
Let him in.
I'm not quick-minded, Comrade Kerensky.
Wipe up.
But even I can see that you're desperate.
You know that. That's why your face is gray.
-Bad sleep, huh? -Get to the point.
The point is... Kornilov is about to invade the city.
Firstly, he'll hang the Bolsheviks, then you.
Let Trotsky go. I'll help you to save your skin.
Do you know that your Trotsky... He demands not just to let him go.
But to arm laborers?
Of course. Who will stand against Kornilov?
The Army? Never. It's simple, Comrade Kerensky.
Only the Bolsheviks can gather people against Kornilov.
And here's only Trotsky left.
Fine.
Can you guarantee that armed workers won't rise up against the government?
You can't.
Our store administrator... He was like a bear.
Sorry. He'd bash your clock... I mean...
A punch in the face... And you'd see heaven.
He lost his arm at war.
A German mine exploded - no arm left.
-My, it's horrible. -That was nothing.
He came back and fabricated a new one. Yes. A wooden one!
They say he became so fu... I mean... He beat everyone with this arm as well.
He was a fine man, simple.
Leon!
So, did they have sex?
I don't care. I'm for freedom. For everyone.
In everything.
These aren't just words, Jacson.
Kornilov never made it to Petrograd.
Thanks to Kerensky's fear and Markin's help,
I led the army of 5,000 laborers.
Is that Frida?
It's the revolution. And them.
They are separate...
But still love each other.
-Leon, we need to talk. -Interesting.
-Please, take my words seriously. -I'm very serious.
Leon.
The legend of Trotsky is immortal. You're not.
I have money. I can make you new IDs.
We can go somewhere no one would find you.
We can take Natalia as well.
Why does everyone separate me from the legend of Trotsky?
There's no legend without me. No.
If I ran, I'd betray myself.
Not some kind of character.
You said that betrayal is narrow-minded.
I didn't say that.
I say that in my dream world there would be no place for betrayal.
But we live in this world, right?
RUSSIA. 1918.
The Whites were already fleeing...
There was a barn on the bank.
A very long one. About 700 yards long!
My guys spread and went by its side.
Comrades!
So, we were running near that barn. And then...
Why did you stop?
Comrade Fedotov. Continue.
So, as I said... We were running...
-And then... -And then?
Four enemy machine-gun teams.
Yes? Comrade Rakitsky.
You're right, sir... I mean... Comrade Chairman.
The Whites left four machine guns.
Your unit, Fedotov,
could have been cut down like grass.
Allow me to add, Comrade Trotsky...
Enemy machine gunners refused to perform their duties.
They didn't shoot...
And came to you. With their hands up.
So it was. They wanted to join...
They came to you. Not to Fedotov.
I've asked a question.
That is true. They came to me.
A former Tsarist officer. A military specialist.
You all doubted his loyalty.
He examined that barn. And did your job, Fedotov.
Your bold foolishness...
Arrogance... Negligence...
It all could cost your soldiers their lives.
I see. Well! Well, you look at that!
When it came to enemy guns, they call me.
When it's about feasts, they forget. Here.
Leon, Leon. A head of gold! Of pure curly gold!
What a plan, eh! To destroy the cannons!
-When I saw him for the first time... -Comrades!
A toast.
A toast for the heroes
who didn't make it this far.
What a head, Leon! What a head!
Leon! Where are you going?
An urgent order. Moscow, to Lenin.
We shall go further.
Attack the unit at Pjany Bor.
Dealing with coast artillery first.
Employ a special forces unit led by Markin.
Period. Trotsky. Send immediately.
Comrade Chairman... The line is old, no new codes.
If it's intercepted, Markin is as good as dead.
Send.
What do you want? Why are you here?
Why did you do this to me, lad?
Natalia was faithful to you. Nothing could happen.
She has nothing to do with this. I never resorted to jealousy.
-Why, then? -Why?
We met at the moment of my humiliation.
The worst time in my life! You saw me as... pathetic!
You remembered me as a frightened white-collar jerk.
With shaking knees. As a man who needs to be protected!
Who can be patronizingly clapped on a shoulder.
I was the chairman of the Revolutionary Military Council!
A sacred idol! A demon! Only you weren't afraid of me!
Does it matter? I was your friend.
No... You turned me into a human.
And this action is impossible.
Humanism never wins wars.
It always loses.
Farewell... Friend.