Who payed the critics

I saw this movie before reading any reviews, and I thought it was very funny. I was very surprised to see the overwhelmingly negative reviews this film received from critics.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

The movie is made so realistic it has a lot of that WoW feeling at the right moments and never tooo over the top. the suspense is done so well and the emotion is felt. Very well put together with the music and all.

Whether you have a political interest or even know what the agenda is here this is still a great and insightful watch into the Russian judicial system and how it works. The defence statement by the bearded lawyer half way through was in my opinion, brave and should be listed in history. The guys who made this doc should be applauded as should the ladies who have stuck to their beliefs throughout. Two years in a Russian Penal Colony..? Lets see you do it. I couldn't And I've been in Prison in the UK Not nice At all Have I typed enough yet? In England we spell Defence, like well Defence.. Not Defense, which looks backward... Enough yet..? PLLSSSSSS

I think it is very courageous of Pussy Riot to protest against Putin and his compact with the orthodox church. Although they were sentenced to a labor camp, they continued their protest against the Putin regime after they were amnestied. In a democratic society, different subjectives must be allowed and it is very important to document that people protest against suppression and propaganda in spite of personal dangers. Much of the film shows the proceedings against the group, and anyone who followed the trials knows the outcome. By the way - I found a very funny "documentation" about the true story of the release of Pussy Riot on you tube. It's named "free nadezhda". I hope more people in Russia realize the dangers of an autocratic regime.

This documentary is a must-see for anyone who doubts that terrifying sexism (much in the name of religion) and political repression exist, that young people are extremely courageous, and that art has the power to liberate the mind, heart, and spirit. This documentary will give you respect for Pussy Riot members, their families, and their sympathizers, yet help you understand why Pussy Riot's detractors feel so threatened by the group.Although much of the film covers legal proceedings against the group, and anyone who followed the trials and news related to the group knows the outcome, the film never drags. The filmmakers also give a brief but insightful look at some of the forces behind the the charged social and political environment in Russia, particularly around religion and social protest.Well-done film!

Some North American reviewers have dismissed PUSSY RIOT - A PUNK PRAYER for its lack of objectivity in its presentation of the three Russian girls, who dared to perform punk songs at the altar in Moscow's Orthodox Cathedral. I think that 'subjectivity' is precisely the film's point; the girls were tried and sentenced according to the subjective will of the Russian government. In a truly democratic society, different subjectivities are allowed, but not in Putin's Russia, where the girls are expected to apologize for their 'crimes' before being sentenced. Mike Lerner and Martin Pozdorovkin's film unfolds over the course of six months, taking in the performances of Pussy Riot, the trial and its aftermath. While you might not agree with what the girls actually did, they do have a point; they were simply trying to express their views, not incite religious hatred (as the authorities accused them of doing). In the current context, where individual struggles for freedom are being experienced in other territories, as well as Russia (Egypt, the Turkish Republic), PUSSY RIOT - A PUNK PRAYER offers a salutary lesson: the girls are not alone in trying to assert their democratic rights to free speech. Hopefully this film will be given a wide distribution, to make viewers worldwide aware of its important message.