From Russia with Lev

Gripping from beginning to end. Does Lev Parnes have a checkered past. Absolutely. That's what gave him the credentials to be recruited by Giuliani on behalf of Trump. Is Parnes speaking the truth about Trump's motives and what went down. Absolutely. Everything he describes lines up perfectly with the Trump playbook we've come to know very well over the past 8 years. His wife's sincerity and intelligence and his dedication to his family are very convincing. Taking into account January 6th, the actions described in this documentary and many many other devious actions and statements by Trump and his co-conspirators, it boggles the mind that he's still seemingly supported by 40% of our population.

Brava to Rachel Maddow once again! I am so incredibly grateful for all the documentaries, books, articles and newscasts that have helped us all make sense of how Trump rose to power with the help of Putin and numberous criminal activities by Trump and his associates. All this craziness is tragic, criminal and putting us all at risk! We must all fight hard to get Harris/Walz elected! This election is truly a fight for right and for our democracy! Those of us who see the truth of who Trump really is and the threat he is to our country and to our world must help those that sadly been sucked down the rabbit hole into the cult of Trump!

Directed by Billy Corben, this documentary project from MSNBC host Rachel Maddow provides a cogent, intentionally one-sided detailing of corruption on a massive scale, centered upon and incriminating Donald Trump and his associates, notably Rudy Giuliani. Obviously, MAGA cultists and collaborators including the folks at Fox News won't profess to believe any of it, but it becomes clear that good bad-guy Lev Parnas has the receipts and "in the room where it happened" credibility to tell an important story that is highly relevant now that Trump is competitive (if self-destructive) in the upcoming election attempting to regain the presidency.

Corben's approach overwhelms the viewer with facts, endless testimony from especially Lev and his wife, plus satirical jabs against Trump and his cronies that I found immersive: mainly persuasive but also at times over the top. Like Michael Moore, he is a truth seeker, truth teller and entertainer, but perhaps a more traditional docu format would carry more weight. Yet the finale of Lev meeting and coming to terms with one of his chicanery's victims, Hunter Biden, is powerful.

From Russia with Lev is a riveting exploration of political manipulation and betrayal. Director Billy Corben expertly guides us through Lev Parnas's shocking story-how he became a pawn in Trump's desperate attempt to discredit the Bidens and was discarded when the mission yielded nothing. The film masterfully portrays the tension of a man trapped by loyalty to a leader who sought to suppress the truth. Parnas's wife emerges as a quiet hero, saving vital evidence from destruction. Hunter Biden's grace and humility at the end is an emotional crescendo, leaving no one unaffected. A powerful debut production by Rachel Maddow, this film is a winner in every sense.

From Russia with Lev is a documentary based on solid evidence, exposing Trump's efforts, alongside Rudy Giuliani, to create false accusations against Joe and Hunter Biden.

Lev Parnas, once a trusted Trump insider, reveals secret deals and the push to remove America's ambassador to Ukraine, all to advance Trump's personal goals, rather than for the good of the United States. The documentary supports these claims with recordings and concrete evidence.

The film highlights how Trump's influence spread into the justice system and media, with Fox News aiding Trump in a disinformation campaign, without any attempt to fact-check.

Parnas's shift from confidant to whistleblower is presented clearly, with his wife Svetlana playing a key role in protecting important evidence. The meeting between Parnas and Hunter Biden at the end adds a heartfelt touch to the larger political story. You see firsthand how disinformation campaigns destroy lives.

This is more than just a political story. It's a reminder of how easily democracy can be undermined by lies and corruption. Every American should watch it before voting.