Pamela Powell
"The Russian Winter" is all about second chances and never forgetting who you want to be. John Forte received a second chance in his life after making one bad decision. This former rapper and integral member of the group The Fugees, was in prison on drug charges. He made a bad decision and paid the price. His sentence was commuted thanks to the continued efforts of those that believed in him. Now free, he has an obligation to never let those who did believe in him down. This documentary is a vivid and beautiful depiction of John's journey to share his story and his music. As he travels through Russia, he touches the heart and soul of everyone he meets. The music is phenomenal and lets us inside his mind. John received a second chance and "The Russian Winter" is a way for you to hear and see this story of remarkable changes. It'll expose you to music you might not otherwise hear and be grateful you did. I know I am grateful he had a second chance!
Anna Kislyakova
Absolutely amazing, vivid and emotional film with lots of beautiful music and lyrics. Dynamic and bright. Brilliantly accurate coverage of Russia, a sort of both inside and outside looks at the same things and events... Everything you see on the screen is a real life, it is not colored or tarnished, it is objective. Sometime funny, sometimes tensed, but truthful all the time. The director used only those materials that were shot while the tour and some real pictures of John Forte. It has a lot of wisdom to be read between lines. And it reveals some great musicians as well. The movie teaches and inspires. And that's what a great movie should do!
