A Whimsical Journey Through Cold War Paranoia

Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming
–

Genre: Comedy, War
Year Released: 1966, 2024 Kino Lorber Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 6m
Director(s): Norman Jewison
Writer(s): William Rose, Nathaniel Benchley
Cast: Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Brian Keith, Jonathan Winters, Paul Ford, Theodore Bikel, Tessie O'Shea, John Phillip Law
Where To Watch: available now here www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: In a world where laughter often serves as the universal language that bridges the widest of cultural divides, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING emerges as a beacon of the genre, set against the tense backdrop of the Cold War. At first glance, the premise of a Soviet submarine inadvertently making landfall on a serene New England island might sound like the setup for a thriller. Yet under Norman Jewison's deft direction, it unfolds into a riotous expedition through human folly and the shared desire for home.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers are treated to a spectacle where Cold War paranoia is met with slapstick humor and witty banter that keeps you glued to the screen, chuckling and often reflecting on the absurdity of it all. Alan Arkin's portrayal of Lieutenant Rozanov is nothing short of fantastic, offering a character study in diplomacy as he navigates the waters of American suspicion with a blend of earnestness and cunning that's as endearing as it is hilarious.

The plot, a clever mix of misadventure and misunderstandings, hinges on the human capacity for empathy amidst fear. It's a tightrope walk of tone, where moments of absurd comedy blend with undercurrents of sincere commentary on the human condition. The ensemble cast, including the standout Carl Reiner as Walt Whittaker, becomes a mirror reflecting our biases and tendencies towards snap judgments, all while delivering laughs and poignant moments with equal aplomb.

Yet, for all its comedic flair and narrative ingenuity, the film doesn't shy away from its critique. While the journey into the slapstick occasionally veers off course, threatening to capsize the more profound message, the skillful direction by Jewison and the crew rights the ship, guiding it back to the heart of the story.

At its heart, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING is a cinematic exploration of contingency – the idea that our lives are shaped by the unpredictable intersections of our paths with those of others. The film showcases how initial tensions and misunderstandings can dissolve into camaraderie and respect, painting a hopeful picture of human connection transcending geopolitical boundaries.

This film is a testament to the power of humor to unite in a world that often seems divided by invisible lines of ideology and fear. It reminds us that we're all still human, no matter who or where we’re from. THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING, with its blend of heart and hilarity, is a beacon of light in the fog of history, guiding us towards a common understanding that, perhaps, laughter is indeed the best diplomat. On a personal note, the current happenings in Russia give the film an unsettling tone; it still aged with a unique take on a world that has changed drastically yet remains the same.

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.