FilmCriticLalitRao
Yuri Mamin's black comedy "Window to Paris" is about the Russian nation which was completely shattered after the end of communism. It is a good example of social commentary mixed with satire which makes good use of its ingenuous scenario to address issues which are common to both French as well as Russian people. This is one reason why it appeals to viewers from these two great nations who share a unique mutual respect based on admiration and feeling of reciprocity. The Russian segment of this film highlights problems faced by ordinary Russians namely housing concerns and discipline in schools as teachers are being fired on flimsy grounds. Although it touches upon thorny issues, Russian part of this film is absolutely funny as it gives light comical touches to matters of serious concern. The Parisian part of this film is also fun to watch but it can be classified as a different kind of fun. It depicts the manner in which foreigners are perceived in Paris. Much of this segment's action is shown through the character of Nicole, a young Parisian woman for whom all Slavic people come from Poland. French actress Agnès Soral plays this role to perfection. "Window to Paris" is an important film which deserves to be shown to all those who seek to emigrate to other countries without giving much thought to the sad plight of their own country. This is exactly what happens to a Russian man for whom love for Russia is so strong that he sacrifices his comfortable existence in Paris in order to be in his beloved Russia.
Lee Eisenberg
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".
Intl4N
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.
Caledonia Twin #1
Warning: perhaps a spoiler here.I have to agree that Okno v Parizh is an unexpectedly delightful comedy, though the premise of the film might at first glance seem a bit ridiculous... a magic window that takes a group of Russians directly to Paris? Yes, exactly, that sounds a bit ridiculous, but it's a load of fun, too. And this group of inter-window travellers soon embarks on an adventure where they must (for a moment) brave (or happily succumb to) the delicious terrors of the temptations of capitalism... Okno v Parizh is hysterical but also makes some serious points if you look below the surface. In fact, it is amazing how well the film manages to keep a light-hearted tone throughout, despite the obvious dangers the film portrays within St. Petersburg, where the group of Russians must return and where an unsuspecting French woman is transported through the magic window... Overall, I give this funny film high marks: 8/10.
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