Nikolai 'Kolya' Rodchenko (Mikhail Baryshnikov) is a Soviet defector ballet star. During a flight from Tokyo, the plane is forced to land in Siberia. The injured Kolya is taken by KGB Colonel Chaiko to dance once again for the Soviet Union. Former American Raymond Greenwood (Gregory Hines) becomes his minder and dance motivator. Raymond is a defector and performer who is married to Russian girl Darya (Isabella Rossellini). Galina Ivanova (Helen Mirren) is Kolya's former partner and old flame. Kolya wants to escape but he has to determine if Raymond is a friend or foe.
The chemistry between Baryshnikov and Hines is great. Baryshnikov is not necessarily a good actor but he doesn't need to be great in this. Their clashing styles of dance is fun and thrilling. The escape isn't anything great but there are locations in Leningrad. This is an old style communist espionage thriller in the ever-changing new era of détente.
The chemistry between Baryshnikov and Hines is great. Baryshnikov is not necessarily a good actor but he doesn't need to be great in this. Their clashing styles of dance is fun and thrilling. The escape isn't anything great but there are locations in Leningrad. This is an old style communist espionage thriller in the ever-changing new era of détente.