Give Me Liberty (2019) User Reviews

A road movie, but all the roads are in Milwaukee

[Red-125 · 8/10 · 7 September 2020]

Give Me Liberty (2019) was co-written and directed by Kirill Mikhanovsky. Chris Galust lays Vic, a young man who drives a medical transport van. Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer portrays Tracy, one of his passengers. Maxim Stoyanov is Dima, a giant of a man who may or may not be what he says he is.

The problem for Vic is that he does more for his clients than just drive them--he's sort of their social worker as well. He also does more for his grandfather's friends, who are older Jewish people from Russia, and who need transportation.

As the van goes careening down the Milwaukee streets, Vic keeps telling the dispatcher "I'm going to Eisenhower." I thought Eisenhower was a highway, but instead it's the Eisenhower Center vocational training program that helps people with disabilities. Some of the scenes are shot within the Eisenhower Center, and they present the clients in a positive and respectful way. That's one of the strengths of the movie.

The film has some funny scenes, but it also has some disturbing scenes of violent interactions between police and protestors. So, although in the very basic sense it's a love story, it's not for everyone.

Give Me Liberty would work well in a theater, but it was OK on the small screen. It has a dismal IMDb rating of 6.6. It's not a great movie, but I thought that rating was too low, and rated it 8.

At your service!

[FrenchEddieFelson · 7/10 · 29 July 2019]

Vic is of Russian origin and a medical transport driver in Milwaukee. A tiny problem: he is excessively adorable! He wants to please everyone and he is desperately unable to say 'no' even when it's the only correct answer. So, as riots erupt in the city, his day will quickly become nightmarish.

The actors Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer (Tracy), Chris Galust (Vic) and Maksim Stoyanov (Dima) are unknown (from me at least) but excellent. The director Kirill Mikhanovsky shows a deeply moving humanism with regard to these outcasts. An excellent Russian-American surprise!

Sweet and Chaotic Underrated Gem

[munkeh · 7/10 · 28 June 2020]

The pacing of this movie reminds me of Good Time. Intense anxiety and things happening rapidly. I'm a very anxious person, so it's like an anxiety attack plastered onscreen. I can see how people wouldn't like it - actually I had high anxiety watching this - but it's also a strangely pleasant cathartic feeling.

It never delves too deep into the negative aspects of their lives. The movie seems more relevant today considering current US protests, but everything is surface level. If you're looking for deep dives into race, disability, poverty, etc. this probably isn't gonna do it for you. It's like one wide brush stroke on a canvas, but it's a beautiful brush stroke.

The main character Vic often takes a backseat to the other characters, sometimes disappearing into the background. The actors playing Tracy and Dima have very strong onscreen presences, although everyone does a great job. A large portion of the cast has some type of disability, but the movie plays it matter-of-factly and doesn't try to tug on your heartstrings. As Vic's confidant says, "it is what it is".

The movie is almost 2 hours long but I didn't find it dragged at all. One event passes into the next quickly (and in response to another review, the sauerkraut was such a small portion of the movie, it's a weird thing to focus on for taking too much time). At 2 hours long, there are a LOT of events.

I volunteers with seniors and this movie very realistically encapsulates how it's like trying to keep them happy, all together, and safely sent to their destination.

A lot of the reviews are either 1/10 or 10/10, so it seems a polarizing film. I was hoping it would come out in theatres where I'm at, but it didn't. Still, go watch it at home! I think it's a lovely little underrated gem.

An all-satisfying film about the struggle to survive and remain human in the USA

[svishchenkov · 6/10 · 16 August 2019]

This film is about listening to your own voice, your conscience, to remain human. Shot with a dynamic documentary camera and authentic, but non-professional actors, it has a feeling of hyper realism, even though it is a fiction film. It might be overwhelming to watch it till the end, as there are a lot of characters and storylines, but isn't it America in it's essence - the land of immigrants, who have to work hard to reach the American dream? In this day and night struggle you might be in denial about your roots, but you're always free to choose your own destiny.

An ambitious film about shared communities

[gortx · 3 September 2019]

Kirill Mikhanovsky's ambitious film (partially shot on 16mm) follows an eventful day in the life of a young accessibly van driver in Milwaukee. Vic (Chris Galust) is the young Russian immigrant who's daily pickup routine is sidetracked when a group of mostly elderly ex-Soviets need a ride to a funeral of one of their own. Along the way, Vic tries to maneuver his regular riders into the trip but keeps getting sidetracked. LIBERTY seems to be headed into farce territory, but, eventually reveals itself to have much more on its mind. Vic is still looking for what to do with his life. The members of his community may be all lumped together as "Russians", but, as the film amply shows, the old Soviet Union was a collection of different nations, factions and religions (as is the Milwaukee inner city where the story is set). One of the movie's most amusing lines is when the smooth-talking Dima (Maxim Stoyanov) compares the bitter cold Wisconsin weather to Siberia! Mikhanovsky (who co-writes with Alice Austen) is certainly audacious in trying to pack so much into a single day (including a full blown protest turned riot), but, it works more often than not. It's overlong, and certainly over-reaches from time to time, but, it has a cumulative effectiveness. The acting (which includes a good number of debuts) is engaging, particularly Lauren Spencer as one of Vic's riders, the wheel-chair bound Tracy. Despite having a lot on his plate, Mikhanovsky is smart enough to slow down the sometimes frenetic pace to capture the tinniest moments and intimate details. The heart-to-heart talks with a bed ridden elderly man - credited only as 'Vic's Confidant' (James Watson) - form a kind of an eloquent bookend to the film. They anchor the piece, even if the title ends up being more of a question mark (Give Me Liberty?) than a declarative statement.

"I should be there in ten."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 18 September 2020]

Safe to say this movie won't appeal to everybody. It has an unscripted feel to it, more like a slice of life or stream of consciousness experience on a wide scale. The central character is Vic (Chris Galust), a shuttle van driver who has to consistently divert his attention moment to moment like a human pinball. The film is populated with a cast of Russian immigrant retirees, an assortment of mentally and physically disabled people, and throws in a civil rights protest along the way. Some of it is funny, but you have to wonder at times if the humor isn't a result of taking advantage of the handicapped. The film makers utilize a gimmick in which the picture, mostly in color, at one point goes black and white as Vic's van comes in contact with a protest demonstration, returning to color right after. Another reviewer makes the point that virtually all of the writers offering '10' ratings with an IMDb review for the movie have only this one review in their profile. I clicked on more than a half dozen user names to verify and that apparently is the case where folks associated with the picture are more than likely promoting it. The one comparing it to the work of Fellini and Truffaut is a dead give away. Without them, the rating would plunge well below 5.0.

Absolutely fantastic

[anya-yanina · 10/10 · 22 August 2019]

A perfect surrealistic picture of life as it is. With all its diversity, sadness, happiness, loyalty, compassion and love. A film that moves you and gives you hope, makes you think and reconsider a number of things in life. Ad leaves you with this sweet feeling that in the end of the day love will save us all.

Passionate But Aggravating

[evanston_dad · 6/10 · 14 May 2020]

Anyone who has the ability to say "no" to people who try to take advantage of them will find this movie at times intolerable.

I don't happen to come from an overbearing family who expect me to orient my entire life around helping them, so I had trouble relating to the main character in this movie or to feel any sympathy for him. That main character is Vic, a young man who spends his days shuttling people with disabilities to one place and another. Some of these people are sweet and kind, but many of them are jerks. On the particular day on which this movie is set, he also agrees as a favor to taxi a group of old, horrible people to a funeral (apparently taxis, Lyfts, and public transportation don't exist in Milwaukee) and adds Dima, the movie's most noxious character, to his passenger list. Dima is a gross, hairy dude who aggressively makes sexual advances at every woman he comes across (Vic's sister among them) despite being told "no," until every woman eventually finds him so irresistible that they give in (nice message). The film is one prolonged note of chaos, as Vic valiantly tries to go about his duties while everyone yells at him, complains about how he's doing things, and makes you wonder why he doesn't drive them all off a cliff.

Vic also has a mom, who calls him over to her apartment to move a sofa in the middle of his work day and then proceeds to berate him about how he has no direction in life and should get a better job.

The film has the feel of a personal memoir, and I'm assuming this was life to a certain extent as experienced by it's writer and director. But I spent the whole movie wondering why Vic didn't just grow a pair, kick all of the freeloaders off his van (or better yet, never offer to give them a ride in the first place) and get on with his life.

There are good things about the movie. It's assuredly directed (except for the ending, an implausible mess of a scene set at a jail protest) and it's well acted by a group of unknowns. It clearly wants to bring awareness to the marginalized, and I welcome any stories that put front and center those who society normally pushes to the fringes. But it's too undisciplined and one-note to wholeheartedly recommend.

Grade: B

About kindness

[lamparadzemaria · 10/10 · 2 August 2019]

Very kind and funny film about 1 day from Vic's life. A lot of unusual characters who wonderfully coexist in one frame. After the movie there is a feeling that everything will be ok.

fake news

[natcalgary · 6/10 · 9 February 2020]

Weird movie that kept me intrigued like when peter griffin fights the chicken. i swear he says he will be there in 10 minutes 54 times in this movie.

weird but i could not turn away from this strange group

6.6

A Day in the Life of....

[Minnesota_Reid · 2/10 · 12 September 2019]

Looking at all of the positive reviews, I feel mean to dislike this movie. It is about different kinds of people helping different kinds of people, and that's nice. But that alone does not a good movie make.

It's the sort of movie where you have a song every once in a while, by Russian senior citizens, or a disabled guy, or some young black men, or an aspiring opera singer. It feels very unscripted, with a lot of repetition of dialog by non-professional actors.

The movie was reasonably cohesive through the road trip, but then the movie goes on and on and on. Watch these people open a jar of sauerkraut for several minutes. Watch these guys move a couch for several minutes. And so on.

On the very positive side, Lauren Spencer as the young woman was excellent.

Long time overdue!!!

[genesis_forever · 10/10 · 3 September 2019]

I have one criteria for movies: Do I believe in what's happening on the screen despite how fictional the story could be or not. Watching "Give Me Liberty" is that rare experience when you forget who, when and where you are, - that's how it draws you in and remains with you for a long time after it's over... This film - like no other modern American film raises the long overdue profound question: WHAT UNITES US AS A NATION? Is it desire to succeed? Yearning for wealth? Building a better life for our children? Freedom to own a gun? Or maybe it's tolerance and acceptance of our differences, no matter how varied our ethnic backgrounds might be - immigrants, minorities, of all ages, in sickness and health. Film director K. Mikhanovsky has charged his picture with insightful knowledge of life and cultural diversity, a sense of proportion, reality and integrity. Every instant of the movie feels unpredictable and unique, which indicates how much work was invested in the script. Any discerning film viewer with preconceived expectations will be able to find anything they desire: Comedy, drama, love, documentary, innocence, tears, bitter and funny self portrait from unusual angle, and sublime poetry... Lots of poetry...

p.s. Check out K. Mikhanovsky's first feature film "SONHOS DE PEIXE" ("Dreaming of Fish", shot in Brazil)

A fun and emotional comedy.

[MarcoParzivalRocha · 7/10 · 26 June 2020]

A day in Vic's life, a patient transport driver who has the most unpredictable day. I, who thought I was going to see an American version of a Ken Loach, end up seeing a satirical dark comedy about a group of retired Russians living in the USA, coupled with a critique of the situation of African American minorities. This film has in its mistakes its strong moments, which sounds contradictory, but that makes sense, given the quality of its eccentricity, and sometimes, of the bizarre and odd that we see on the screen. Above all, it is a well-made caricature of the difficulties and manners of the outsiders living in the "land of free", with all the struggles, but also, the joys of life.

Subtitles, please...

[Turgut_Belen · 5/10 · 17 January 2020]

This is certainly not an "All-American crowd pleaser", as Siscerebert hails about on the poster of movie. Dialogue is 90% Russian. It should have been subtitled. Although I dont speak Russian, I enjoyed watching it until the last 15 or so minutes.

Everyone watch his own story

[leilaabbassova · 9/10 · 22 August 2019]

Deep, kind and sad movie because of its reality. Feels like its just one day from our lives and doesnt matter where are you - in usa or russia, or somewhere else. Not because of drama, but because of little details so close for everyone from daily ruthin (especially Russian, of course). Amazing operators work.

the power of struggle

[julianimated · 10/10 · 14 January 2020]

Usually I don't like documentary-style of script and narration but here it is so engaging. A wise (and funny!) film about kindness that really melted my heart.

Another worst film! Too long, too rush, and freaking messy all the way! Avoid at all cost!

[kwenchow · 1/10 · 11 May 2020]

This film start with a young man "Vic" helping a disabled smoking, and he wake up his grandpa scene! As turnout, this film is about Vic driving a bunch of disabled to their daily routine destination! Entire film too freaking messy, and rush! Make the film unwatchable! The flashback scene of Vic, also make the film annoying to watch! Barely laughable is, relatives of Vic singing at the wrong grave! Barely intense scene is, Vic and Dima fighting with the protesters! At the end, Vic help Tracy bail her brother out from the lockup! Vic staring at a bunch of drawings! That's it! Another disappointed film!

One of the best things I've watched this year

[geniamineeva · 10/10 · 23 August 2019]

A wonderfully moving, funny and thoughtful film. Highly recommended. Go watch it.

great story for hopeless romantics

[diffuzia · 10/10 · 22 August 2019]

Love it so much! actors play amazing, and film is the one of the best i ve seen this year. unforgettable

Very inventive, affecting film. Wakes you up to lives others lead.

[maqsews · 10/10 · 1 September 2019]

I loved it! Such an affecting film. Funny and sad at the same time. I can't stop thinking about it 2 days later. Yes, it's crazy and madcap, at times. But, the pace pulls you in, while the reality of the lives of people you often don't think about hits you in the gut. The filmmakers force you to realize that people who many look away from or stereotype have stories to tell. And they do it without preaching at you. The cast of non-actors adds to the richness. Read about how difficult it was to make this movie and you will be even more impressed.

Funny, Sad, Real, Touching, Excellent!

[gpride2009 · 10/10 · 11 February 2020]

Movies like these are very rare these days. This movie makes you laugh out loud, shed a tear, and gives you hope. In other words, this movie makes you feel. Only those who do not have a heart or a soul can say something negative about this movie. The characters are very captivating and the actors have done a brilliant job in portraying those characters. My favourite character / actor who stole every scene is definitely Dima (Maxim Stoyanov). OMG! Every time he's on the screen, I had a smile on my face. People should watch this movie to see what people with disabilities can be capable of if they are given the chance. I applaud everyone who was a part of this movie: writer, director, actors and all. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! PS: This is NOT a fake review! Just because somebody liked a movie and rated it as a 10/10, it does not mean that they are fake.

See This Movie!

[sorokin-4 · 10/10 · 30 August 2019]

I think, it is an excellent original movie created by a talented team of artists. Since the main character deals a lot with disabled people, the real danger for the director was either to accept a patronizing tone, or to limit the film to a showcase of human disabilities. There is nothing of that sort in the movie. It is important, that the film also managed to avoid cheap sentimentality. Even though it is very funny, it comes through sometimes as a sad story, the quality which is characteristic for the best achievements in cinema. I can recommend this movie without any reservations!

Great film

[knyazew · 10/10 · 2 August 2019]

Awesome! incredible actors' work! ! fantastic movie!!

Being human

[averbucha · 10/10 · 23 August 2019]

Very powerful and inspiring. It's about the true value of remaining human and being able to give and to share in every situation. The story shows from different angles how our uniqueness is reflected through our weaknesses, which at closer look turn out to be our strength. Compelling, young and extremely talanted.

A must see

[elinorthw · 10/10 · 29 August 2019]

Haven't seen a film this real, raw, sweet and complicated in so long. Don't read any more spoilers (in reviews), just go see it. Definitely Oscar material. I was on the edge of my seat (in the best way possible). It's a gritty but heart-warming/sweet story.