Jakob The Liar / Moscow On The Hudson - [DVD]

<p>Jakob The Liar In Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, poor Jewish cafÃÆé owner Jakob Heym (OscarÃâî-winner Robin Williams ÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬Ãâ¦Ã¢â¬ÅBest Supporting Actor, 1997, Good Will HuntingÃÆââââ¬Å¡Ã¬ÃâÃÂ) accidentally overhears a forbidden radio news bulletin signaling Soviet military successes against German forces. To combat the overwhelming depression that pervades the ghetto, Jakob invents fictitious news bulletins about Allied advances against the Nazis. These lies keep hope and humor alive among the ghetto inhabitants-spirits are lifted, hearts are refreshed, and optimism is reborn. The Germans learn of the mythical radio and begin a search for the resistance hero who dares operate it. Moscow on the Hudson Soviet Circus saxophonist Vladimir Ivanoff (Robin Williams) tours in the United States and suddenly defects from his musical troupe while visiting the temple of "Western decadence" known as Bloomingdale's. Fleeing from the K.G.B., Vladimir is granted asylum by the U.S. government and moves into the crowded Harlem apartment of black security guard Lionel Witherspoon (Cleavant Derricks). Soon Ivanoff finds himself a voluptuous Italian lover, Lucia Lombardo (Maria Conchita Alonso), and a shrewd Cuban lawyer, Orlando Ramirez (Alejandro Rey). He thought his troubles were over when he defected, now he's living in New York City and his life is more difficult than he ever imagined. Though Vladimir learns that life in America can be cold and even painful, he grows to love this strange and wondrous new land.</p>