After Robin Williams' death was announced a few days ago, I remembered I bought this DVD years ago at the Walmart I still work at. So I suddenly had the jones to finally watch it and Mom agreed to view it with me. We both enjoyed it though Mom thought it was a bit X-rated with the bathtub scene with Williams and Maria Conchita Alonso. Paul Mazursky made a touching dramady about the struggles of a Russian musician immigrant trying to make it in America with many others from other countries settling here befriending him along the way. Williams was really convincing speaking the language and whatever playing he did on the sax also sounded pretty good. I've always loved him as a comedian but when he does roles like this, it's when I really appreciate all the talents he used to the best of his ability during his lifetime. The way he passed on may have been tragic, but the way he lived was never less than a joy to watch. So on that note, in the words of the character I first knew him as, Mork from Ork: "Nanu, nanu!"

Robin Williams became famous, I think, for his stand-up comedy, like his idol Jonathan Winters, but do you realize how many movies this guy has made over the years? He's really become quite a film star and is especially good playing against-type as a criminal or simply as a wacko (see "One Hour Photo?")Anway, this was an early Robin Williams film in which he plays a Russian musician defecting to the United States. He ("Vladamir Ivanoff") first hides out in a big store in New York City before being taken in as an immigrant by a black guy (can you say PC?) Williams does an outstanding job speaking Russian, by the way, as opposed to most English-speaking actors.There really isn't much of a plot here, just slices of life, if you will, some of it with the usual Liberal promiscuous (i.e. "I'm a liberated woman and if I stay the night, don't misinterpret that I want to get involved with you," the Italian tells the Russian. I can think of a few more accurate descriptions that the word "liberated.")All in all, despite the premise and talents of Williams, this was only so-so. It kind of runs out of steam halfway through and it's hard to maintain interest in the final 40 percent of it. Actually, I like Williams better when he plays more serious roles like this although I'm not sure if he himself was ready to play it straight this early in his career. He's just too tempted in this film to produce comedy. He's a talented and very strange guy; this film reflects that.

MOVIE PLOT: The year is 1984, the place is Soviet Union. Vladimir Ivanoff (played by Robin Williams) is a typical Russian citizen, working in the Moscow circus playing his saxophone. He has come to terms with his situation and despair. He lives with his family in a 2 room flat. Moscow circus is preparing to go to New York for the first time to perform. A circus clown who is unhappy with his life in Russia confides in Vladimir of his intention to defect when they go to New York. After giving the performance in New York, the circus is headed to Bloomingdales department store as their last stop before departing back to Moscow. However, it is Vladimir who declares of his defection. With the help of local authorities and mall security, he is able to remain in New York. As Vladimir tries to make it in New York, he is constantly haunted by his decision. Did he make a right choice by leaving his native land, was the freedom he searched worth everything he sacrificed?CONCLUSION: Very Entertaining Film. A must have DVD for your collection. Robin William's gives one of his best performances.

I saw this movie when it first came out, and I never want to see it again. >From my recollection, Williams' Russian character never adapts to his new home in NYC. Brief comic moments cannot outweigh this movie's constant oppressive atmosphere of a man who made a really bad life choice. Ever notice when a great comedian tries to play a serious role, it's usually maudlin and depressing? Somehow this movie reminds me of a Three Stooges short which is also very depressing. It's called "Cash And Carry". The stooges, seeking shelter, find a shack in the middle of a junkyard, where they find empty tin cans, which they chuck out onto a huge pile of more empty cans. The shack's original occupant arrives - a young boy on crutches. And now the boy has no money, because his savings were hidden in an empty tin can. What a laugh riot (sarcasm).