Communism - History of an Illusion

It started with Lenin and ended with Gorbachev. In this three-part documentary we highlight the people and events that played key roles in the rise of a revolutionary idea and the fall of an empire. How was it possible that this idea could fascinate so many people, including hundreds of intellectuals? How did so many thousands of people put up with suppression, indignity and economic hardship and still remain true to the fundamental concepts of communism? We put this question to politicians and renowned scientists. Moreover, the films feature interviews with prominent contemporary witnesses such as Sergei Khrushchev, son of Nikita Khrushchev, or former KGB chief Vladimir Kryuchkov, who was involved in a putsch against Gorbachev, as well as with the unknown victims such as Gulag prisoners. With these interviews, the history book is brought to life, cold data becomes real-life experience. Geographically the focus is on Europe but the influence of the idea and its political implementation in Asia and America are also explained.