Directed by Reiner Moritz and narrated by the late John Hurt, this revealing documentary traces the tumultuous life of Dmitri Shostakovich through his complete symphonic cycle, performed by Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra. From the 1936 ban of "Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District" to his 1948 condemnation as a formalist, Shostakovich’s struggles under Soviet censorship come alive with striking clarity, illuminating how political repression profoundly shaped his work. Rare archival footage, including Shostakovich himself performing "Concerto for Piano, Trumpet, and Strings," offers an intimate glimpse into his artistry and quiet defiance. Expert insights from Gergiev, alongside stirring performances by pianist Daniil Trifonov and the Borodin Quartet, deepen our understanding of his music as both personal expression and silent resistance that transcends its time.