Moscow On The Hudson

Starring:Maria Conchita Alonso, Elya Baskin, Aleksandr Beniaminov, Eyde Byrde, Stephanie Cotsirilos, Cleavant Derricks, Tiger Haynes, Donna Ingram-Young, Natalya Ivanova, Lyudmila Kramarevskaya, Saveli Kramarov, Robert MacBeth, Aleksandr Narodetsky, Pierre Orcel, Alejandro Rey, Oleg Rudnik, Olga Talyn, Ivo Vrzal-Wiegand, Robin Williams
Studio: Sony Pictures
Product Type: DVD

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Robin Williams in his fuzzy, sensitive mode with bittersweet touches plays a musician in a Russian circus who gets talked into defecting by a pal and does so (though the pal bails on him at the last minute)--in the middle of Bloomingdale's. A great concept, to be sure, but writer-director Paul Mazursky doesn't seem to know where to go from there. Williams winds up living in the same kind of poverty that he did in Russia, casting about for a way to make a living while both wallowing and drowning in the sudden tidal wave of freedom. Mazursky wants to make a point about how little we appreciate what we have, but he fails to entertain in the process--or at least to engage in a consistent way. --Marshall Fine

Customer Reviews:

Robin Williams at his finest!.......2007-06-07

I don't always agree with Robin Williams' standup humor but IMAO, he is a consumate actor bordering on dramatic and comedic genius. In this film he convincingly potrays a Russian circus musician that follows thru the dreams of his close friend by defecting to America.

What strikes in my mind about this film is when his girlfriend and many immigrants are granted U.S. citizenship. With the current state of today's political correctness, the judge's words still ring true when she states "no longer will you be a hyphenated American". What a delightful statement for all Americans.

A Forgotten Gem of Robin Williams.......2006-02-23

One of Robin Williams Early works and Sadly a Forgotten Gem of him. Sometimes Sad, Sometimes Funny as can be it showed his range and abilities even then. He Plays a Russian Circus Musician Tasked to keep an Eye on his friend who has made "Noises" about defecting when the Circus Travels to NYC. Don't want to ruin the Story or Surprises (If you are surprised) but this is a wonderful Story that will take you from Sad to Happy to Laughing and back again.

If you liked Dead Poets Society you will LOVE this.

a really good film ............2005-11-24

It is a good American movie about a Russian emigrant in NYC. Most of the viewers praise Robin Williams. Indeed, he plays very well the character of the Russian musician and there is no doubt - he is a great actor. But in this film, you have got a very rare chance to see the greatest Russian comedian Savely Kramarov (staring as head KGB man ). He died from cancer ten years ago in California. But his art and his films are still alive. Every film in which he took a part was automatically a hit in Soviet times. The tickets were sold out at cinemas and streets were empty during TV-broadcasts of his films. In "Moscow on the Hudson" he created a funny and grotesque image of KGB man (as he did it again in the film "RED HEAT" directed by Walter Hill) and I was enjoying watching his work there. It reminds me his best Russian films. I am sure you will appreciate it too.
The film is not perfect of course. Some stereotypes about Russia are implemented (such as the refrigerator full of vodka instead of food) Robin Willams struggles to speak "bad English" and has it hard to pronounce Russian words properly. But despite these small problems in showing life in Russia, the film gives a very authentic picture of the "Big Apple" and it is really good one.

Would give it ten stars if I could.......2005-11-16

While I absolutely love this movie, it, like any work of art, has flaws. Now, that said, I didn't see this movie when it first came out. I didn't see it until literally 20 years later! It still holds up well, but I was amazed at the blatant sterotyping that occurred in the film. The thing is, it happens with everyone from African-Americans to Russians, and even to WASPS. So I guess that cancels the thing out in a way.

This is a very touching movie and Robin Williams is probably at his best--and this is hard to do as he never bombs. Here's one actor who should be given more awards and credits for his acting ability--and this in addition to him being the world's greatest comic, no less!

Strangely, aside for my aforementioned comments on sterotyping, the movie does not seem dated--aside from a few glimpses of the World Trade Centers in the background, and it is a wonderful portrait of NYC. Really, I'm amazed this isn't more watched than it is. I highly, highly recommend this charming and enlightening film.

Freedom isn't free and other things to think about .................2005-09-07

For many years, I counted Moscow on the Hudson as my favorite film and if you like to be mildy entertained while considering what it means to be free in the USA, you may also love this thoughtful comedy. This was the first film that broke whatever box folks might have been trying to put Robin Williams in (after Mork and Mindy) and added Actor with a capital A to the public perception of him (at least for those who had the chance to see Moscow).

Among my favorite lines in the film is the disenchanted emigree played by Robin in a blue moment saying "When I was in Russia, I loved my misery, because it was mine." I think of this when I meet people whose eyes are closed to how precious our freedom is and the cost we must pay to learn to respect and treasure it.

There are many great scenes worth the wait, such as the final statement scene in the diner where other Russians who have learned how to deal with freedom, set the little Russian straight.

This is not an action filled or laugh filled romp. It is a film that requires a little patience and reflection, but an illumination to those with an open mind. Bravo Mazursky and Williams!