Disclamer: I live in Russia, so I was watching this film as an insight into the life of a Russian immigrant. I felt like my first review should be about this. I completely loved the artistic language, it is very unusual. The movie manages to convey the feeling of the early 90's in post-soviet Russia. The earlier the memory, the more stylized it is. It's dark, but somehow magical too, because of the hope and the humour. The matriarchal family is portrayed with love, tenderness and wit. As the movie progresses, the picture becomes more realistic, like as if Vasiliy's life finally comes in 3D as he finds himself (I hope I got that right). I almost cryed at times, seeing the family facing all the new, unexpected challenges. But the movie is very heartwarming. The last thing I'm gonna say is that the cast is completely amazing! Enjoy.
8 Reviews
Boring. Self-indulgent. Stilted.
jsleos-1-63218515 April 2023
This movie feels like what would happen if Wes Anderson were forced at gunpoint to make the worst movie possible about a gay kid in the Soviet Union. The movie attempts to be "deep" by invoking surrealist imagery, but it comes off as just being oafish, stilted, and unintentionally comical. Surprisingly, the cast has some well-recognized faces - but they're too weighed down by this heavy handed script to become their own organic characters. Instead, they're just frozen in place as superficial, one-dimensional fixtures decorating the background of this egotistical dollhouse posing as a feature film...it was nice seeing Rickety Cricket in a movie though!
I love this film
mischa_j31 March 2021
Real Story Told Like A Fantasy
jmbaloha9 October 2022
Young Russian boy dreams of going to America. He thinks based on what he sees on TV, that America must be like American movies - everyone gets a happy ending. And, he desperately wants a happy ending for himself and his mother. Both of them are living a hard life in Russia. His mother is being pressured to go against her principles at work and her son "Potato" is being forced to hide who he is. The movie stands for the proposition that If you wish hard enough, dreams sometimes come true. Great performances hold your attention including a comedic cameo by Jesus Christ. Sit back and enjoy the ride with a bit of buttered popcorn and a beverage. Potato Dreams of America is a real gem.
Heart and humor
KAT2e12 April 2021
Interesting autobiography-based film
chong_an6 December 2021
In Perestroika-era Vladivostok, a divorced liberal woman lives with her (closeted) gay son. Fascination with American movies leads her to become a mail-order bride, "potato" in tow. While trying to fit in, they find that America is full of surprises.
As an autobiographical-based movie, it seems to have a realistic contrast between Russian and American societies. The fantasy-dance sequences are amusing. However, since the entire movie is in English, it underplays the language difficulties that is one main theme of the immigrant experience.
As an autobiographical-based movie, it seems to have a realistic contrast between Russian and American societies. The fantasy-dance sequences are amusing. However, since the entire movie is in English, it underplays the language difficulties that is one main theme of the immigrant experience.
Signed up to write this: It is genius!
criopax15 February 2023
By no means I am a critic of any kind, but Potato Dreams of America made me jump out of my seat.
It is entertaining and unique - maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it.
I wept and laughed, and thought that mother is a saint and that boy... oh, boy!
If I laugh or cry this much while watching a movie, it is a great one.
Beautiful people, great acting. I thought the directing was awesome, too.
Wes Hurley, if you are reading this, hug your mum for me. I would not dare to offer one to you, too, but you deserve it nonetheless.
Thank you for telling your story in such a fun way.
Jesus Christ! They are handsome.
PS: I don't like tea.
It is entertaining and unique - maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but I loved it.
I wept and laughed, and thought that mother is a saint and that boy... oh, boy!
If I laugh or cry this much while watching a movie, it is a great one.
Beautiful people, great acting. I thought the directing was awesome, too.
Wes Hurley, if you are reading this, hug your mum for me. I would not dare to offer one to you, too, but you deserve it nonetheless.
Thank you for telling your story in such a fun way.
Jesus Christ! They are handsome.
PS: I don't like tea.
Great movie inspired by an amazing life story
aleksa-stankovic-as29 July 2022
I enjoyed this movie from beginning till the end. It was like an emotional rollercoaster, at times hilarious, but also very touching and emotional. The fact that this is all inspired by true events makes it even greater. I am so glad I got to see this movie!
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