(by IndustriousAngel on 19 April 2014)

Whereas most of the DonCamillo/Peppone stories are safely grounded in the Italian landscape, here they undertake a journey to Russia as part of a communist delegation. Much of the charm of the series consists of the sympathetic and truthful (yet always with a wink) portrayal of Brescello and its population; the "Russians" on display in this 5th and last entry remain very cardboard, so a big part of the humanity of the series is missing. On the other hand, both Fernandel and Gino Cervi feel very at home in their roles, and it's a joy how they play off each other. The comedy is never laugh-out-loud but it's always there, while at the same time there's real tension when - what a cruel coincidence! - exactly during their welcome party, Khrushchev is replaced by Brezhnev and the Italians are left in a serious political vacuum. Another plus of this film is a certain playfulness - the fun start credits, a Russian Traviata, nice political presents, a Russian children's choir intoning "volare" ... and, at the very end, we witness "Peppone" Gino Cervi without the trademark moustache - oh my god, what a difference lies in such a silly piece of facial hair - unbelievable (as DonCamillo mentions).
Overall, while not the best entry in the series, everyone who liked the prior ones will be satisfied with this one, too!
postscript: The English title "Don Camillo in Moscow" is misleading; they just pass Moscow on their flight, but the plot takes place in a removed kolkhoz. And you have to love the actress playing the cute interpreter just for her name ... "Graziella Granata". Wow!