Potato Dreams of America

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.

Disclaimer: I produced this film, but out of many films I've worked on over the years, this one is very close to my heart. So funny and touching-based on a true story of a dear friend.

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!

When telling a familiar story it's helpful that it's done in an original and entertaining way. Potato Dreams accomplishes both. A Russian boy and his mother emigrate to America via an American mail-order-bride scheme designed for men in the US who don't bond well with women who have any choices whatsoever with the direction and choices of their lives. It is into this marriage that the mother, with no English language and no prospects in a new and foreign land, brings herself and her young son to America. This bleak marriage is, sadly, more preferable to the Russian life she left behind. The son is left to come to terms with his sexuality in an American household led by a dogmatic stepfather with deep dark secrets of his own.

This desperate story is imbued with comedic frivolity by telling it in a storybook manner with charming stylishness. This effect never undervalues the seriousness of the characters' struggles, but rather makes them all the more dire by their contrast against the the light hearted context in which they're delivered.

Writer/director, Wes Hurley, has done a masterful job of bringing his personal story to the screen. His characters are engaging, especially Jesus, and hold your attention. I found myself captivated. There are so many big budget films that have every advantage going for them but are unwatchable. It is nice to come across this small indie film that punches well above its weight and leaves me eager for a sequel.

If you watch Potato Dreams you'll enjoy it.

Set designer executed beautifully without losing an American audience to the "foreigner" trap, very pro American. I could only hope a Russian on the otherside could easily visually critique the real America for Russians one day. I like the opening scene depicting child hood avoidance of moronic parents by creating false stories about making it seem better than the hell those two morons put you through because of their own illnesses and marital insecurities. I find it nuance that education was also a stone in the character's path. Usually there are places for safe havens for the outsider but in this instance it is triumphantly a new country! Beautifully executed set designs even better than the 80s papermache sets (minus Dorothy of course). Truly an expert set after set which best supports actors rather than over relying upon actors' wornout facial expressions. Thank you.