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We start our journey in a corrupt and poor Moscow. For people who have lived in the Communism this is not something new at all. Standing at long queues without even knowing what’s to be bought, just because anything is better than nothing. Feeling it as a personal victory to get some toilet paper or shoes, even if they really don’t fit you.

This was Communism for the USSR and the other countries near it. We’ve surely had the same lifestyle before 1989 and many of our older people recall the same problems. So, it’s no wonder Russians would do anything to get from their hell to the Imperialism they “theoretically” despise. Vladimir Ivanoff (Robin Williams) listens for hours as his friend, the clown Anatoly (Elya Baskin), plans to defect, once they arrive in New York City for their circus show.

Musician Vladimir doesn’t want to defect and tries to convince Anatoly to be less explicit, since KGB is already on his tracks and you don’t mess with them.

They finally arrive in NYC and are amazed to see all the lights, glitter and merchandise. While they fight to the bone for some not fitting, ugly and badly made pants, at the Bloomingdale’s they find any clothes they can dream of in every size. It’s absolutely hilarious seeing these people dig through the merchandise there, as happy as some kids in a candy store.

While Anatoly still dreams of defecting, Vladimir is the one who’s actually doing this, even if he never planned to do so. He’s immediately housed by the security guard Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks) and starts his American adventure. It’s not easy for him being far from his family, without any possibilities to contact them anymore, almost alone in such a huge city. He’s going through many misadventures and even comes close to regretting his life back in Moscow.

He also finds love, by meeting lovely Lucia (Maria Conchita Alonso) and applies for citizenship. Life in the USA is not easy for someone who’s coming from such a controlling and limiting society, but, after the first months of hard work and misery he’s got the chance to make it.

The movie is a combination between comedy-drama, with a great role done by Robin Williams and the rest of the cast. Some might feel it’s a “dated” movie, but still it proved to be an entertaining one. So, if you haven’t watched it, please consider renting it.

May 14th, 2010 | Drama | No Comments »