Russia is a highly developed, wired, and educated nation, but endures third-world levels of corruption and a repressive, autocratic government. Many Russians explain this paradox by citing the Russian soul, a unique national mindset, born out of their turbulent history, that wants dictatorship. Is that possible, or are free speech and democracy universal values? The Russian Soul film answers this question against the backdrop of the historic protest movement unfolding in Russia today, in conversations with all parts of Russian society, from political, academic and media elites to street protesters, schoolchildren, and ordinary citizens.