The Trotsky Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Canadian teen thinks he’s Trotsky, starts a school revolution, and hits on an older woman, all while confusing everyone with historical references.

🍿 The Trotsky: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Leon’s Revolutionary Belief

Leon Bronstein, a Montreal high school student, firmly believes he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky. This conviction drives his actions and worldview, much to the bewilderment and frustration of those around him. He sees parallels between his life and Trotsky’s, fueling his determination to emulate the revolutionary leader.

From Factory Strike to Public School

After instigating a hunger strike at his father’s clothing factory in protest of labor practices, Leon is sent to public school as a form of punishment. This transition marks the beginning of his attempt to revolutionize the school system. He views the administration as oppressive and sees the student body as apathetic.

The Student Union and Class Warfare

At public school, Leon immediately sets out to form a student union, seeing it as a means to fight against the perceived tyranny of the principal, Mr. Berkhoff, and the administration. His efforts spark conflict and create a unique dynamic within the school. His dedication, however misguided, inspires some students to question the status quo.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Leon Bronstein (Jay Baruchel): A Montreal high school student who believes he is the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky and attempts to spark a revolution.
• David Bronstein (Saul Rubinek): Leon’s exasperated father who sends him to public school as a form of punishment.
• Alexandra Leith (Emily Hampshire): A law student pursued by Leon, who believes she is destined to be his wife based on Trotsky’s life.
• Principal Henry Berkhoff (Colm Feore): The strict principal of the public school who becomes Leon’s adversary.
• Nadza (Liane Balaban): A student at the school that Leon Bronstein attends.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Leon: “I am Leon Trotsky.” – Leon’s recurring declaration of his identity, which drives the entire plot.
• Leon: “The revolution begins in high school.” – Leon’s explanation of how he will make a difference in the world.
• Principal Berkhoff: “Bronstein, you’re a menace!” – Principal Berkhoff expressing his frustration with Leon’s disruptive antics and activism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: CA$6,400,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Trotsky Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘The Trotsky’ to be surprisingly charming! Jay Baruchel is perfectly cast as Leon, and his unwavering belief that he’s Trotsky is hilarious. I especially loved the scenes where he’s trying to recreate moments from Trotsky’s life. The film made me think about the power of youth and how important it is to fight for what you believe in, even if you’re a little bit delusional!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Jay Baruchel”
  • “Viewers interested in quirky comedies”
  • “People who enjoy films with political satire”
  • “Those who appreciate Canadian cinema”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Teenage rebellion”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some mature themes (e.g., relationships with age gaps)”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “While ‘The Trotsky’ isn’t explicitly mentioned in the ScreenRant article, it does provide context for fans of Jay Baruchel. ‘The Trotsky’ offers viewers a chance to see Baruchel in a leading role, showcasing his comedic timing and ability to portray quirky, endearing characters.
• The Wrap: “While ‘The Trotsky’ isn’t mentioned, the article does touch on the entertainment landscape where the film exists. ‘The Trotsky’ could be seen as a more whimsical take on those themes, using comedy to explore youth activism and identity.
• IMDB User: “‘The Trotsky’ is a politically oriented film that details the journey of a young man who campaigns for social justice. The film is about a seventeen-year-old high school student who believes himself to be the reincarnation of Leon Trotsky.Though the plot is fairly captivating, I find Leon’s appearance incongruent with his character.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved Baruchel’s performance as the determined and eccentric Leon Bronstein.: Most agreed the film was a funny and intelligent teen comedy with unique political undertones.

Overall Consensus: ‘The Trotsky’ is a quirky and enjoyable comedy that, while not perfect, offers a fun and thought-provoking look at identity, activism, and the power of believing in something.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in Montreal, Quebec, incorporating the city’s unique bilingual culture into the story.”
• “The character of Leon Bronstein is a deliberate play on the real Leon Trotsky’s birth name, Lev Bronstein.”
• “Director Jacob Tierney aimed to blend historical references with modern teen comedy, creating a unique tone.”
• “Saul Rubinek, who plays Leon’s father, is a veteran actor known for his roles in both comedy and drama.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Trotsky?

Currently, ‘The Trotsky’ is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video. Check local listings for potential broadcast options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Trotsky, you might like these similar films:

• Rushmore (1998): Shares the quirky, precocious protagonist who is overly confident and throws himself into a variety of activities with comedic results.
• Charlie Bartlett (2007): Both films feature a high school student who attempts to change the status quo and help their peers, albeit through different methods.
• Eagle vs Shark (2007): Features awkward and quirky characters in a deadpan romantic comedy.
• Goodbye, Lenin! (2003): Shares the theme of comedic examination of revolutionary historical figures and ideologies.

🛒 The Trotsky Related Products

• Leon Trotsky: A Life: Explore the life and legacy of the real Leon Trotsky with this comprehensive biography, providing historical context for the film’s humorous portrayal.
• Che Guevara T-Shirt: Show your revolutionary spirit with a Che Guevara t-shirt, a nod to the film’s themes of rebellion and activism.
• Soviet Propaganda Poster Set: Decorate your space with a set of vintage Soviet propaganda posters, adding a touch of historical flair and a reminder of the film’s historical backdrop.
• Lev Trotsky Action Figure: A unique action figure of the historic figure. Great for setting up revolutionary acts on your desk. Highly detailed and historically accurate.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Trotsky features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “ABC’s” – performed by K’Naan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Trotsky’s assassination remembered by his grandson

Ever wondered what it was like to live in the shadow of a historical figure like Leon Trotsky? His grandson shares some incredible memories of the assassination attempts. It’s a truly fascinating first-hand account!

The Bolsheviks : Death of Trotsky – Forgotten History

Want to understand the real story behind Trotsky’s demise and the complex political landscape of the Bolsheviks? This documentary breaks it down in an easy-to-follow way, so it makes history feel a bit more accessible, in my opinion.

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