Watch Moscow on the Hudson

Moscow on the Hudson is a heartwarming comedy-drama directed by Paul Mazursky and released in 1984. The film stars Robin Williams as Vladimir Ivanoff, a talented saxophonist and a circus performer from Moscow. The story begins with Vladimir and his fellow circus performers visiting New York City as part of an exchange program. During his stay in the city, Vladimir wanders off from his group and finds himself lost in Bloomingdale's department store. Despite being unable to speak English fluently, Vladimir is helped by a kind-hearted store clerk, Lucia Lombardo (Maria Conchita Alonso), who assists him in buying a pair of jeans.

As Vladimir acclimates to his new surroundings, he decides to defect from the Soviet Union and seek political asylum in the United States. This decision is motivated by the repressive nature of the Soviet government that he witnessed during his trip to New York. Vladimir moves in with Lucia and her Italian-American family in Queens, where he struggles to adapt to the American way of life. However, with the help of his resilient spirit and a series of odd jobs, Vladimir begins to build a new life for himself in America.

Throughout the movie, Vladimir encounters a colorful cast of characters, including his African-American co-worker Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks), who introduces him to the joys of jazz music. Lionel and Vladimir become close friends and perform together in a jazz club. The film also showcases the cultural differences between the USSR and the United States, as Vladimir experiences the excesses of American culture, such as consumerism and individualism, which stand in stark contrast to the collectivist values that he grew up with in Moscow.

The film's standout performance comes from Robin Williams, who delivers an outstanding portrayal of Vladimir. Williams brings his signature energy and comedic timing to the role, while also displaying a more nuanced and serious side as he grapples with the challenges of immigration and cultural assimilation. Maria Conchita Alonso is also excellent as Lucia; she brings warmth and sensitivity to the role, portraying a complex character torn between her desire for Vladimir and her fear of commitment.

Moscow on the Hudson is a film that succeeds in balancing humor and drama, as it explores themes of identity, freedom, and friendship. It is a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience that remains relevant to this day. The film's soundtrack, which features music from jazz legends like Miles Davis and Benny Goodman, adds to the overall delight of the viewing experience.

In conclusion, Moscow on the Hudson is a must-watch for fans of Robin Williams, and for anyone interested in a heartwarming story of an immigrant's journey to find a new home and a sense of belonging. The film is a testament to the transformative power of music, friendship, and the human spirit.

Moscow on the Hudson is a 1984 comedy with a runtime of 1 minute. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 67.