Parents' Guide to The Wizard of the Kremlin

Movie R 2026 136 minutes
The Wizard of the Kremlin movie poster: Two men in suits stand in front of the Kremlin with a dramatic expression

Common Sense Media Review

Tom Cassidy By Tom Cassidy , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Fictionalized Putin drama includes violence, language, sex.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

  • The Wizard of the Kremlin Trailer
  • The Wizard of the Kremlin: Jude Law as Vladimir Putin glares at Paul Dano’s Vadim Baranov, Putin’s chief spin doctor
  • The Wizard of the Kremlin: Man in suit on phone in office with portrait backdrop
  • The Wizard of the Kremlin: Elegant woman in black dress holding a glass at a formal gathering indoors

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What's the Story?

In THE WIZARD OF THE KREMLIN, the manipulation skills of TV producer Vadim Barnov (Paul Dano) stop at nothing to craft the path to power for Vladimir Putin (Jude Law) in chaotic post-Soviet era Russia.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

This political drama tells the story of how Vladimir Putin took power and the fictionalized character depicted as the main architect of his rise, Vadim Baranov. The Wizard of the Kremlin charts the key events of post-Soviet Russia, following the timeline of Putin's ascent and reign, with the dramatic embellishments filling in the unknowable blanks—adding color and compelling narrative to a story that vividly illuminates both the man and the political climate he created. Director Olivier Assayas drives the material with confident momentum, and Law is a joy to watch as Putin, bringing the leader's constant frown and super-serious demeanor to life with devilish glee. Though rooted in Russia's story, the film's message reaches further—a sharp critique of all ruthless, powerful people who place self-interest above everything else.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Vadim Baranov helped Putin rise to power in The Wizard of the Kremlin. How do you think political spin affects the way we see real leaders today? How can you tell the difference between genuine news and carefully managed political messaging?

  • How was violence used for political gains in the movie? Did you find this shocking? Why, or why not? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?

  • Talk about some of the language used. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a movie like this? If so, why?

  • The film mixes real events with fictional characters. Did that make it more or less useful as a way of understanding Russian history? What did you already know about Putin and Russia, and did anything in the film surprise or challenge that?

  • How was sex and nudity handled in the film? Was it sensitive? Gratuitous? What's the difference? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

Movie Details

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The Wizard of the Kremlin movie poster: Two men in suits stand in front of the Kremlin with a dramatic expression

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