Take it from me, someone who actually lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, there are plenty of stories here that would make for an interesting film. Unfortunately, not many of the city’s tales would involve laughter, especially if you shoot the film during the nine months of the year where the weather is miserably cold. But somehow, someway, Kirill Mikhanovsky not only crafted a comedy set during the cold weather in Milwaukee but his film, “Give Me Liberty,” is actually great.
And in honor of the film opening in select theaters this Friday, we are thrilled to be able to offer an exclusive clip from “Give Me Liberty” to our readers, showcasing just how entertaining a story about a hapless medical transport driver can be, while also highlighting one of the film’s breakout performances.
As mentioned, “Give Me Liberty” follows a medical transport driver named Vic, as his day gets completely hijacked by a group of senior citizens that want him to use his work van as a means to get them to a funeral. Unfortunately for Vic, even though he’s guilted into doing this favor, he also has to somehow drive the real clients that need his services to their destinations. As you might imagine, chaos ensues, with Tracy, a young woman with ALS, providing hilarious commentary along the way.
We were able to catch “Give Me Liberty” when it screened at Sundance. In our review, in which we gave the film an ‘A-,’ we said, “As Vic chauffeurs, these individuals through a racially divided city—Mikhanovsky delivers a profound statement that celebrates the connective tissue of humanity with honesty, sensitivity and an endearing heart.”
The film stars Lauren “Lolo” Spencer, Chris Galust, Maksim Stoyanov, and Darya Ekamasova. “Give Me Liberty” is directed by Kirill Mikhanovsky, who co-wrote the film with Alice Austen.
“Give Me Liberty” arrives in theaters on August 23.
Here’s the synopsis:
In this freewheeling comedy, medical transport driver Vic risks his job to shuttle a group of rowdy seniors and a Russian boxer to a funeral, dragging clients like Tracy, a young woman with ALS, along for the ride.