IMDb RATING
6.4/10
934
YOUR RATING
An autobiographical dark comedy about a gay boy growing up in the Soviet Union, his mail-order-bride mother, and their adventurous escape to America.An autobiographical dark comedy about a gay boy growing up in the Soviet Union, his mail-order-bride mother, and their adventurous escape to America.An autobiographical dark comedy about a gay boy growing up in the Soviet Union, his mail-order-bride mother, and their adventurous escape to America.
- Awards
- 6 wins & 5 nominations total
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Summary
Reviewers say 'Potato Dreams of America' is a heartwarming, autobiographical film exploring hope, identity, and the immigrant experience through a stylized lens. Praised for Hersh Powers' performance and comedic elements, including a memorable Jesus Christ cameo, the film blends humor and emotion with creative set designs. However, some critics find the surrealist imagery and script heavy-handed, impacting character depth. Overall, it's seen as an entertaining and touching portrayal of a personal journey inspired by true events.
Featured reviews
A must-see laugh and cry autobiographical journey filled with stellar performances, gorgeous production and the perfect blend of heart and humor.
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.
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!
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.
10mischa_j
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.
Did you know
- TriviaWes Hurley previously shared this story in the documentary short "Little Potato" (co-directed by Nathan Miller) which won the Jury Prize at SXSW and the VR short "Potato Dreams" which premiered at AFI.
- GoofsThe postcard of Milwaukee that is shown as a potential city a mail order bride to move to contains a picture of the St. Louis Arch.
- ConnectionsFeatures Working Girl (1988)
- How long is Potato Dreams of America?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Dreams of America
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 37 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 16:9 HD
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