Review of Moscow on the Hudson (1984) by Jim H — 01 Sep 2011

A Russian saxophone player defects and falls in love.

In this film the Declaration of Independence is quoted two separate times, the oath of citizenship is fully recited, and there are more American flags than at a political rally. Released in 1984, this film seems more like Cold War propaganda than a serious drama or comedy. The film's thesis valorizes American multiculturalism, featuring African-American, Cuban American, and Italian American (played by a Venezuelan) supporting players, and the notion that America is a tough but ultimately free refuge for people all over the world. Vladimir's immigrant experience isn't unfettered; he experiences his share of difficulties. However, the film is ultimately blindly romantic: none of Vladimir's troubles is institutional as he finds the wait time to take his citizenship oath the only impediment and the U.S. government more than accommodating. While I'll mention that most immigrants find their integration into American culture and society far more rocky, this is not the place to debate immigration policy. What is at stake is that the film comes off as wildly idealistic and myopically patriotic.

Overall, within its time, Moscow on the Hudson clearly served a specific political purpose, but now it's merely frustrating, the chronicle of a dream you have to be asleep to believe.