Russkies (1987)

A group of American boys and a shipwrecked Russian sailor become friends in the midst of the Cold War.

Director:

Rick Rosenthal

Writers:

Sheldon Lettich (story), Alan Jay Glueckman (story)

Stars:

Whip Hubley, Joaquin Phoenix, Peter Billingsley

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whip Hubley	...	Mischa
Joaquin Phoenix	...	Danny (as Leaf Phoenix)
Peter Billingsley	...	Adam
Stefan DeSalle	...	Jason
Susan Walters	...	Diane
Patrick Kilpatrick	...	Raimy
Vic Polizos	...	Sulock
Charles Frank	...	Mr. V.
Susan Blanchard	...	Mrs. V.
Benjamin Hendrickson	...	Sgt. Kovac
Carole King	...	Mrs. Kovac
Voyo Goric	...	Boris (as Vojo Goric)
Al White	...	Captain Foley
Patrick Mickler	...	Neidermeyer
Summer Phoenix	...	Candi

Storyline

It is during the Cold War and all Americans have a view of Russians as one thing: bad people. A group of American boys discovers a Russian sailor washed up on the coast of Florida and decide to befriend him, assuming that he is friendly and will bring them no danger and thus go against the ideas of their parents, as well as the government.

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Plot Keywords:

russian | boy | russian sailor | cold war | florida | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Corrida Contra o Tempo

Filming Locations:

Key West, Florida Keys, Florida, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$1,030,101, 8 November 1987, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$2,189,047

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Century Entertainment Corporation,Vista Organization,Russkies

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Joaquin Phoenix and Summer Phoenix are real-life brother and sister.

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Goofs

In the rescue scene in Act III, the huddled family on the boat (specifically Candi) changes position between shots.

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Quotes

Mischa: I see. Vodka not for boys.
Danny: That's not it. It's just...
Mischa: Just?
Adam: Just gimme that bottle.
[Takes a drink and spits it out]
Mischa: [laughs] Vodka not for boys.

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Connections

Version of The Russians Are Coming the Russians Are Coming (1966)

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Soundtracks

We Can Have It All
By Bruce Sudano & Michael Omartian
Performed by Joe Bruce & 2nd Avenue
Courtesy of EMI - America Records

User Reviews

Friendly relationship between a Russian sailor and three children during the Cold War

This is the story of a Russian submarine that runs aground off USA. When a Russian sailor named Mischa Pushkin(Whip Hubley)is accidentally lost, he's stranded in Key West and is desperately looking for help. Then three American kids(Leaf Phoenix,Billingsley , DeSalle) capture him and befriend . A memorable set of silly events follow to hide the seaman and scheme a journey towards island of Cuba. Meanwhile he falls in love with the kid's sister(Susan Walters).

In this film you'll find funny moments, simple humor, peace-loving, good feeling though some moment is a little boring. The enjoyable relationship between the three kids influenced by comic-books and young mariner helps build a mountain of laughters, plus the Russian's panic where the fun chiefly lies. The picture bears certain resemblance to ¨Russians are coming, Russians are coming¨- 1966, by Norman Jewison with Alan Arkin and Eva Maria Saint- though in lesser budget and lack lustre. Sympathetic main role for Joaquin Phoenix, before named Leaf, previously his recent successful acting from 2000s as ¨Signs, Gladiator,Buffalo Soldiers,Quills, The Yards¨, he was a child prodigy, such as he proved in ¨Parenthood, Spacecamp¨and of course ¨Russkies¨. Besides appear as supporting cast some relatively known secondaries actors as Leo Rossi, Patrick Kirkpatrick and Al White. Catching soundtrack and dated songs with synthesizer musical score by today prestigious James Newton Howard. This jolly and agreeable motion picture is professionally directed by Rick Rosenthal.