Russia with Simon Reeve
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Poignant travel docu has alcoholism, references to violence.
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Russia with Simon Reeve
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What's the Story?
Filmed in 2017, RUSSIA WITH SIMON REEVE is a three-part travel series that tries to explore the world's largest country. Follow presenter Simon Reeve as he travels across this huge land, meeting its people and encountering some of the issues the country faces.
Is It Any Good?
Split into three parts, this travel series was shot 100 years after the start of the Russian Revolution. However, with the benefit of hindsight, what's most revealing, and at times frightening, about Russia with Simon Reeve is that it was filmed before COVID and before Russia's invasion of the Ukraine. The latter in particular hangs over the entire documentary. In one scene, Reeve -- who as usual makes for an affable and good-natured tour guide -- reflects on Putin's growing paranoia. Taking to the camera he says, "there's a storm coming," referring to the thunder heard above. But it's also a foreboding warning of what's to come.
While it can make for an eery watch, it's also fascinating to see a country that five years later would be involved in a brutal war with its neighbour Ukraine. Reeve discovers a complex country, full of wealth and poverty, of haves and have nots, of power and corruption. He also does a great job of capturing the sheer size of the country. However, with a country the size of Russia, three episodes doesn't feel enough. As a result, compared to some of Reeve's other adventures, the series can feel disjointed. But for an overview of one of the world's superpowers, there's much to be learned from this introduction to Russia.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Russia with Simon Reeve taught us about life in Russia. What are some of the problems the people of Russia face? What can be done about them?
The series was filmed five years before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. How did it make you feel watching it knowing what we do today? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
What character strengths did the presenter display on his travels? Why are these important traits to have? Can you think of any times in your own life when you've demonstrated any of these?
How did this series compare to other travel documentaries you might have seen? What makes a good documentary?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 28, 2022
- Cast: Simon Reeve
- Network: Discovery+
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Adventures , Trains
- Character Strengths: Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: October 24, 2022
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