Leningrad Cowboys Go America is a 1989 Finnish road movie, directed by Aki Kaurismäki. The film follows the story of a fictional band, the Leningrad Cowboys, who travel from Finland to America in search of fame and fortune. The band is accompanied by their eccentric manager, who is constantly at odds with the members of the band, and a persistent village idiot, who becomes their unwelcome companion on the journey.
The film begins with the Leningrad Cowboys playing a concert in their hometown, which ends in a disastrous fashion. After the show, they are approached by a mysterious man, who offers to take them to America. The band decides to accept the offer, and they set out on a journey across the United States in a beat-up old bus.
As they travel through the country, the Leningrad Cowboys encounter a variety of quirky characters, including a washed-up rock star, a group of Hutterites who offer to give them a ride, and a Mexican folk band. Along the way, they also face a number of challenges, such as a run-in with the police and a dangerous encounter with a group of bikers.
The Leningrad Cowboys finally reach their destination, a wedding in Mexico, where they perform a memorable version of "Those Were the Days". The villagers are impressed by their performance, and the band finally achieves the fame and fortune they were seeking.
Leningrad Cowboys Go America is a humorous and offbeat film, with a unique blend of music and comedy. The film has become a cult classic, and its success led to a sequel, "Leningrad Cowboys Meet Moses", as well as a number of other projects featuring the band and their unique brand of music.
