I remember one of the funniest films that I watched back in high school was Moscow On The Hudson which stars Robin Williams as a Russian Musician who defects to the United States.  Though he had a hard time adjusting to the U.S. and he had a hard time pursuing the American Dream, he came to love living the U.S.  The best part of the movie was when he met other immigrants who helped remind him why they sacrificed a lot to go to America. The reason why was freedom.  Apart from the movie, I also like the sound track that was sung by Chaka Khan called "Freedom".

Though the film was funny, it did point out the struggles that people living under Communist rule.  The constant threat of nuclear war and lack of basic goods as well the constant harassment of Communist agents have often pushed those living in that part of the world to try all means possible to escape to the West just to have a better life.  Some dug holes, while others hid crates on ships and some even flew balloons just to escape.  They were willing to die just to escape that kind of oppression.  That's just how desperate they were to get just a taste of freedom.

Today, Russia itself is now a democracy and the former U.S.S.R. has broken into separate countries.  Business is thriving though the shadow of totalitarian rule still hovers over the country.  What did the film taught us apart from making us laugh?  That freedom and the pursuit of a better life was something people were willing to die for back then and though it was a distant memory that people take for granted now, for us it was a matter of life and death.  Freedom is the most important right that everyone should defend because if that is lost, then all is lost.