Watch Letter to Brezhnev

Letter to Brezhnev is a 1985 British romantic comedy film, directed by Chris Bernard and starring Peter Firth, Alfred Molina, and Tracy Marshak-Nash. The movie takes place in Liverpool during the Thatcher era of the 1980s, a time when unemployment was high, and opportunities were limited. The protagonist of the film is a young Liverpudlian woman named Teresa (Marshak-Nash), who works in a potato packing factory and yearns for a more fulfilling life.

One night, Teresa and her best friend Elaine (played by Alexandra Pigg) decide to go out to a nightclub, where they meet two Russian sailors, Peter (Firth) and Sergei (Molina), who are on shore leave. Despite the harsh political climate of the Cold War, the four quickly form a connection, and Teresa and Peter begin a tentative romance.

However, their relationship is quickly tested by the realities of their different backgrounds and the prejudices of those around them. While Teresa dreams of a new life with Peter, he is forced to return to his ship and continue serving in the Soviet Navy. And in Liverpool, the tension between the locals and the "Red Menace" from Russia only increases.

Meanwhile, Elaine's own romantic entanglements with a local DJ lead to further complications, and the four friends must navigate the choppy waters of love, identity, and cultural exchange in a city that seems determined to tear them apart.

Throughout the film, the themes of love and camaraderie are explored against the backdrop of a politically charged era. Despite the Cold War setting, Letter to Brezhnev is not a political film, but rather a character-driven story about the individual struggles of its four protagonists.

Marshak-Nash delivers a standout performance as Teresa, a young woman with big dreams and a feisty spirit. As her love interest, Firth is equally captivating, with an understated charm and vulnerability that make him a sympathetic character.

In addition to its authentic portrayal of working-class Liverpool, the film is also notable for its exploration of the LGBT community of the time. Elaine's subplot involves her own sexual exploration, as she discovers her attraction to women and begins a tentative relationship with a local artist.

The movie has been praised for its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and bittersweet ending. Despite the bleak economic and political situation of Liverpool in the 1980s, Letter to Brezhnev is ultimately a hopeful film, one that celebrates human connection and possibility.

Overall, Letter to Brezhnev is a charming and poignant romantic comedy that explores love across cultural and political boundaries. With its engaging characters, lively soundtrack, and striking depictions of Liverpool, the movie remains a beloved gem of British cinema.