By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.75 cats
Director: Levan Akin
Starring: Ana Javakishvili | Bachi Valishvili | Kakha Gogidze | Levan Gelbakhiani
Country: france, georgia, sweden
Year: 2020
Running time: 113
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8963708/reference
Michael says: “Wow. This one took me by surprise, and I really loved it. A coming-of-age story about a young man growing up in a traditional, conservative town in Georgia (the country). Our lead, Merab, is a good son living with his single mom, his grandma, and his ne’er do well, but beloved older brother. He is a dancer, practicing traditional Georgian dancing, and has been paired with a young woman named Mary since childhood. When a handsome young man named Irakli suddenly arrives as a replacement, Merab finds his world start to upend. Auditions are announced for a single opening in the lead dance troupe, and several young men, including Merab and Irakli vie for that slot. The dancer being replaced, left under controversial circumstances after being found having sex with another man. As Merab and Irakli start to practice together, preparing for the audition, they grow friendly and Merab start seeing the world a little differently… a little less written in stone.
“But this movie isn’t a fluffy, fairy tale, and things get pretty tough for Merab, and he learns some hard lessons as he grows up into a young man. He also learns that there are people that he can rely on as well… people who love and support him. The film ends with a triumphant, yet bittersweet passage that is impressive, and also leads to the next chapter in Merab’s life. Filled with emotion, hard truths, and the blush and excitement of youth, I was really moved throughout.
“Young, first-time actor/dancer Levan Gelbakhiani is outstanding as Merab. He conveys so much physicality in his dancing and his movements; and his expressive face and body language show his full emotional range, from determination to rage, to disappointment, to unfettered joy, to crushing disappointment. It’s all right out there on his sleeve in a manner that is heart-breaking and so open. The actors around him turn out as well, most notably Bachi Valishvili as Irakli. The athleticism in the dancing was very well portrayed as well, and I wonder if the two actors were also dancers, or if they trained for the film in particular. Gelbakhiani in particular had the body and physicality of a dancer. I was very impressed by the look of the film, and notably the work of cinematographer Lisabi Fridell. At first I was a little confused by the choices for camera angles and placement, but as the story progresses, the artistry and storytelling emerge. Editing was also excellent by the director and Simon Carlgren. Director Levan Akin, who also wrote the screenplay, clearly felt a closeness to this tale. The authenticity of Merab’s emotional journey really resonated with me… we’ve all been there. And it was powerful and heartbreaking to follow his journey. It’s definitely a contender for lots of nominations for me. I highly recommend it. 5 cats”
Chris says: “Owes a lot to CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, but there are far worse films to pay tribute to; actually, it transcends homage in its Georgian dance sequences and in particular, that rapturous finale. 4.5 cats“
5 cats from me, too. Merab‘s face cannot help but show his happiness. He is so winsome. And by the final dance we know exactly what is being conveyed. I also appreciated the occasions for Georgian choral music.