Vlast (Power), a documentary released in 2010, directed by Cathryn Collins, profiles the remarkable journey of Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky. Khodorkovsky, once recognized as Russia's wealthiest man, was famously the CEO of YUKOS - one of Russia's biggest oil companies, only to become an internationally recognized detainee and later a symbol of the fight for human rights and the rule of law in Russia.

The documentary is composed of interviews and sequences of events leading up to Khodorkovsky's arrest and subsequent sentencing. Its narrative charts Khodorkovsky's evolution from an ambitious entrepreneur to a tycoon embroiled in political intrigue, and then to a prisoner of the state. The film, through its juxtaposition of archival footage and contemporaneous interviews, deftly explores the complex dynamics of power, politics, and capitalism in post-Soviet Russia.

Vlast (Power) starts by unraveling Khodorkovsky's early years. It follows his immediate rise to power during the "wild capitalism" days of the 1990s in Russia, where oligarchs like Khodorkovsky swiftly capitalized on the privatization of state assets. With a focus on his entrepreneurial spirit, sense of mission, and the ethical challenges that surrounded him, the film portrays Khodorkovsky as a man of immense capability, ambition, and moral complexity.

As the documentary proceeds, there is a noticeable shift in its tone. After reaching the height of his economic power in the late 1990s, when he was at the helm of YUKOS, Khodorkovsky started openly criticizing corruption in the Russian government. This is regarded by many as the turning point in his life when he moved from being a business tycoon to an emerging political force challenging the country's status quo.

The film takes a turn here, delving into the dark dynamics of political power struggles and presenting the series of events that got Khodorkovsky labeled as an enemy of the state. It documents the businessman's trial and his continued political activism, even from behind bars, until he was finally released in 2013 after serving a decade in prison.

The final segments of Vlast (Power) try to assess Khodorkovsky's legacy, contemplating his transformative journey and the vast gray areas surrounding his persona. It provides a snapshot of the precariously balanced scales of power, justice, and freedom in contemporary Russia.

Vlast (Power) also serves as a stark reminder of the complex environment where Russian businesses operate, showcasing the thin line between entrepreneurial success and political peril. Its narrative is amplified by key insights from various associates of Khodorkovsky, Russian officials, journalists, and ordinary Russian citizens who provide an assortment of perspectives on the YUKOS saga, the Russian judiciary, and the country's political scenario.

Director Cathryn Collins has created an engaging, gripping, and thought-provoking film with Vlast (Power). Her storytelling skillfully weaves together different narrative threads, providing a comprehensive picture of Khodorkovsky's life and the power dynamics at play in Russia. She manages to capture the spirit of the times, suffusing the film's narrative with a sense of urgency and danger.

Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky's personal story offers a profound perspective on post-Soviet Russia – a country grappling with its identity, trying to forge a path between autocracy and democracy, between state ownership and private enterprise. A long way off from being merely a biographical account, Vlast (Power) is a finely-nuanced socio-political study that brings to the forefront the intricate interplay between wealth, power, freedom, and justice and the high stakes involved in challenging oppressive systems of power.

In essence, Vlast (Power) isn't just a cinematic biography but a human rights testimony and a socio-political statement wrapped into one. It's a carefully arranged mirror held up to modern Russia, drawing attention to the crisis of justice in the country, and the blurred lines between an entrepreneur and an enemy of the state. A compelling, insightful and vividly shot documentary that delves deep into the life of one man, while at the same time surfacing overt and covert themes pertinent to Russia and beyond.