Exporting Raymond

86 minutes

USA, Russia

Writers can often form a strange relationship with their own work and sometime it can be hard to let it go.Follow Phil Rosenthal, Emmy Award-winning creator of the hit TV series Everybody Loves Raymond, in this incredibly funny documentary about the attempt to translate Raymond into a Russian sitcom.A hilarious, warm and intimate journey of one man, considered an expert in his country, who travels to a land to help people that don't seem to want his help. Lost in Moscow, lost in his mission, lost in translation, Phil tries to connect with his Russian colleagues but runs into unique characters and situations that conspire to drive him insane.The movie is a true international adventure, a genuine, "fish out of water" comedy that could only exist in real life.

93% on the CINEMETER

93% - Mar 20, 2011

Who knew? Phil Rosenthal is extremely funny and I liked him as much if not more than Raymond!
Washington, DC Member

Phil Rosenthal is a likeable, funny person- this is hysterical and so interesting to see how something so every-day in America translates into a culture that we are generally unfamiliar with. It was nice to see how Phil dealt with the Russians with such compassion instead of heavy hand TV exec attitude.
Washington, DC Member

This was a fabulous study of crossing cultures. I loved when Phil Rosenthal moved from the expert on Raymond to curious about Russian culture. Once he moved to learner mode he had much more chance to make Raymond successful.
Washington, DC Member

STL

96% - Mar 6, 2011

Brilliant! Truly funny, poignant, perceptive--shows cultural divide between U.S. & post-Soviet Russia. Rosenthal's comic genius is blended with first-rate documentry work.
St. Louis Member

This was one funny movie. I loved it. From the audience stanpoint, I think Everybody Loved Phil! Proof that the idea of humor is universal but may require cultural/individual twists to be funny. Phil's concern for Eldar was touching.
St. Louis Member

I liked this because it was real: it's a statement of its nauralness that you can produce a comedy while being in it. There is a connection between all people, cultures (even subcultures) √¢‚Ç¨¬¶ that speaks of a universal language that comedy encourages. Well done!
St. Louis Member

87% - Apr 3, 2011

This is the best and funniest movie yet at Cinema Club. I thought Ray Romano was the heart and mind of Everybody Loves Raymond, but it was actually creator Phil Rosenthal. Thank you!
San Francisco Member

Very original and poignant expos√É¬© on the diplomacy required to succeed in the TV and media arts world. Kudos to Phil Rosenthal. Should be required viewing for film students and aspiring media professionals.
San Francisco Member

Film had potential but became somewhat tedious and repetitious. The underlying idea of how to translate comedy from one culture to another has great potential, but this film only captured part of it.
San Francisco Member

91% - Feb 27, 2011

The Cold War is really over.
Greater New Haven Member

Fabulous. Lots of laughs from beginning to end. VERY surprising that it was a hit in Russia.
Greater New Haven Member

Raising a (vodka) toast to this fine comedy! A slight hangover, from fears of laughing at, not with, from time to time. But mostly positive memories of a good, shared meal of a movie.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

91% - Mar 6, 2011

A funny clash of cultures.
Milwaukee Member

Informative and educational.
Milwaukee Member

This film was a lot funnier than the show.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

97% - Apr 10, 2011

Really fun and well done--thanks! Very funny documentary. Hilarious. Best comedy documentary. Laughed through the whole film. Delightful, wonderful portrayal. Entertaining funny and informative. I loved it. So delightful. What a relief.
Boston Member

Funny, entertaining. Great cultural clashes. Great isight into the Russians. Terific on many levels. A cross-cultural masterpiece. Fascinating cross-cultural experience. Well done, fast cuts. Music was great. Very funny, comic relief.
Boston Member

Great, loved it! Comedy is universal. Adorable and very entertaining.
Boston Member

ATL

99% - Mar 20, 2011

Anyone who loves Everybody Loves Raymond will really like this movie. Phil really does a great job of playing the 'everyman' as a fish out of water.
Atlanta Member

Much funnier than an espidoe of Everybody Loves Raymond. Much of its success relies on Rosenthal's humor, expressions and timing.
Atlanta Member

A very funny, engaging documentary. At first Phil's American attitude when in Russia began to offend me as a world traveler who works hard to adapt to the cultures I visit. However, as the film went on and he began to reach out to the people around him, it was great to see the relationships develop in a humorous yet frustrating way. Then you get to the point where you realize commonality can always be found.
Atlanta Member

Samuel Goldwyn Films