Salades russes

A funny and scathing critique of Russian society and culture during the transition from communism, OKNO V PARIZH also shows the west in an unfavorable light. A group of Russians living in St. Petersburg (a.k.a. Peter the Great's "window on the west") find a magic portal that instantly transports them to Paris. Mamin's film is truly hilarious, and just "weird" enough constantly keep even the jaded film viewer on his toes. The songs, the dream sequences, and the deliciously disgusting fringes of society from both cultures mingle to create a memorable and meaningful film. Anyone trying to understand the shift in Russian cultural sentiments since the fall of the USSR should begin here.

I saw this movie in a Russian cinema class, and I knew I would like it as soon as the kids started dancing. The whole thing is very funny - although it has a quirky sense of humor different from what most of us are used to - and if you're willing to take the premise with a grain of salt, you are in for a treat.

Another thing - if you were turned off by the trailer or the premise, don't give up on it. I wouldn't have watched the movie except that it was for class. I'm very glad I did, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in Russia, foreign films, something completely different, or simply a good story. And if you like "Window to Paris," I also highly recommend "Black Cat, White Cat," (Kusturica) another excellent quirky Eastern European (Serbia) comedy.

One unfortunate reality of post-Soviet Russia was that the people's welfare didn't change much from Soviet times. As we see in "Window to Paris", most people are still as depressed as ever, while they are encouraged to go after money.

Then, everything changes for music teacher Nikolai Chizhov (Sergei Dontsov) after he finds a window that leads to Paris. He and his friends are naturally quite amazed at what they find. This movie has one of the funniest discussions of Elvis Presley and Edith Piaf that I've ever heard. So watch this movie. You're sure to love it. It's sort of a precursor to "Being John Malkovich".

I ran across this film recently on the Independent Film Channel ... by accident. But after watching only a few minutes, I was captivated by the plot, by the scenery, the music ... it was pure cinematic magic. Somewhat comedic and lighthearted in nature, it is also a telling drama of how some people can give way to excessive temptation and greed. It's a fascinating way to explore the human soul. I recommend it for anyone who loves a great flight of fantasy, particularly in the ever- increasingly-cynical 1990s.

I thought that i wrote a comment on this movie before, but i can't find it on here. anyway, i am writing it again. I accidentally found this movie from my college's library collections. It was free to watch, so why not.

I am certainly glad that I watched it. I love this movie. I have seen a few Russian movies before, most of them have serious topics. I am surprised that this was one a good comedy. I had a great laugh while watching it. and this is a movie that i want to buy. this thing is so funny. and they are not just silly funny, those plots were very original, and well thought, so they don't seem to be silly at all. I am surprised that this movie didn't attract many viewers. This is a classic that you can watch it over and over.

those actors were also very authentic, their acting are real, not faked. if you haven't watched it, go get a copy soon! definitely recommended.