Jude Law has won emormous praise for his 'Oscar-worthy' depiction of Vladimir Putin in divisive movie The Wizard Of The Kremlin.

Much of his near four-decade career in the world of acting has been spent as the heart throb or 'pretty boy', however in recent years he has stuck his teeth into grittier roles such as a pock-marked, bloated Henry VIII in 2024's Firebrand. 

His career U-turn is what piqued the interest of critics of The Wizard Of The Kremlin, with the star winning resounding praise for his depiction of the Russian leader, in which he maintained his English accent. 

The Independent's Xan Brooks mused: 'Jude Law deserved an Oscar this year for playing Vladimir Putin. [His] impersonation of Vladimir Putin is a little masterpiece in shades of grey, a stone-cold character study that transforms the film's second half.'

While there has been divide across the board for the film, directed by Olivier Assayas, itself - with ratings ranging from two to five stars - praise for Jude's performance is the one constant. 

The Wizard Of The Kremlin has been adapted for the screen from author Giuliano da Empoli's 2022 novel of the same name focuses on the rise of Putin's authoritarian regime, told through the eyes of young artist-turned-TV producer Vadim Baranov.

Vadim is played by American actor Paul Dano, who has had less impact on critics, with his lead role being dampened by the power of Jude's Putin. 

Alongside a three-star rating, The Times's Tom Shone particularly highlights the shocking decision to cast the plummy Londoner as the Russian leader. 

He writes: 'Jude Law as Vladimir Putin is one of those bonkers casting ideas that gets better the more you think about it...

'There's always been a hint of amorality to Law — think his playboy Dickie Greenleaf in The Talented Mr Ripley, or his hitman in The Road To Perdition. He's willing and able to smother his own charisma.'

Echoing many others, The Indepedent noted how Jude has distanced himself from his pretty boy sterotype, writing: 'Law, who has always been a much finer actor than advance word would suggest.

'Producers used to cast him as a poster boy, the cinematic equivalent of a shop window display. But he's better now, in careworn middle-age, when he functions more as a linchpin or a discreet badge of quality.

'First-billed or second, he ensures that a film comes home safe... He's had a great last 10 years; an ongoing creative renaissance.'