Werner Herzog and André Singer's riveting documentary, filled with unforgettable archive materials and based on three long interviews, provides incredible access to, arguably, the world's greatest living politician. Now 87 and battling illness, the visionary Mikhail Gorbachev, former General Secretary of the U.S.S.R, has mellowed and slowed down. Still, gently but resolutely, he is pushing towards his goals. Herzog, as on-screen interviewer, does not disguise his affection, celebrating Gorbachev's three remarkable accomplishments: negotiations with the U.S. to reduce nuclear weapons; cessation of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the reunification of Germany; and the dissolution of the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc. All of this in six years! One German diplomat sums up Gorbachev's approach: "The process went so quickly that... opponents were overcome by the reality of the situation." Herzog and Singer remind us of the drastic and unforeseeable way the world changes.

"Defining a politician's titan legacy in a singularly unexpected way, Meeting Gorbachev meets its expectations." (Globe and Mail)

"Meeting Gorbachev is a hagiography, but it's unafraid to position itself as such; Herzog makes his case proudly and passionately." (Vulture)

"As interviewers -- and filmmakers -- go, Mr. Herzog is one of a kind, his searching curiosity complemented by his instantly recognizable German accent. His new film, he goes out of his way to note, is a love letter." (Wall Street Journal)

Saturday, June 15
Doors 2:00 pm | Movie 2:30 pm
Advance tickets $10.50 | $12.50 at the door

*Minors welcome. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK! Please redeem at the door.

MEETING GORBACHEV (Werner Herzog & André Singer, 2019 / 90 mins / PG) Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, sits down with filmmaker Werner Herzog to discuss his many achievements. Topics include the talks to reduce nuclear weapons, the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of his country.