Mandariinid is a, mainly, psychological film co-produced by Estonia and Georgia, and is focusing on the themes surrounding the futility of war and the importance of peaceful coexisting.
War is, by nature, like a childish play. The causes and the reasons are there, but they can never justify losing a human's life over their successful completion. A war is, always, initiated for imperialistic causes disguised as matters of national spirit. The only meaningful approach to a born juxtaposition between two or more nations, always, is a mature discussion on the matters concerned. So, one of the things that this movie manages to portray skillfully is this exact nature of war. The presentation of the two "enemy" soldiers as children fighting with each other under the same roof and under the surveillance by a considerably older and wiser individual, reminds us of this nature.
However, war is an important worldwide phenomenon. It never seizes to exist, and as much time humans exist, there will be war. Another of this film's strengths lies in successfully establishing this brutal truth, when simultaneously manages to land a strong blow of satire and dark humor concerning the main theme. Even if it feels conceited midway through, in the last half you realize that, even though there is hope for human coexisting, the dehumanization of war always prevails.
In addition, the acting was superb. When tackling an important theme like war in a bold and satirical manner, considerable acting talent is needed. Fortunately, the pre-established requirements are met with the chosen cast. All of them manage to give a career-defining performance, considerably fleshing out their characters and making them intimate and multi-dimensional. Of course, the highlight is Lembit Ulfsak's performance as Ivo, a kind old man that tends to help anyone in need without any doubt, while his wisdom is critical on making the other characters reflect on their past actions.
In the end what makes this film important is not only the virtuosity of cinematography and composed music displayed or the exemplary acting, but the inspired portrait of humanity's ever changing mask: It can represent a peaceful coexisting, leaving a sweet taste, or a dehumanized atrocity that is war, leaving a bitter taste. But doesn't this bittersweet taste remind you of freshly-cut tangerines?
War is, by nature, like a childish play. The causes and the reasons are there, but they can never justify losing a human's life over their successful completion. A war is, always, initiated for imperialistic causes disguised as matters of national spirit. The only meaningful approach to a born juxtaposition between two or more nations, always, is a mature discussion on the matters concerned. So, one of the things that this movie manages to portray skillfully is this exact nature of war. The presentation of the two "enemy" soldiers as children fighting with each other under the same roof and under the surveillance by a considerably older and wiser individual, reminds us of this nature.
However, war is an important worldwide phenomenon. It never seizes to exist, and as much time humans exist, there will be war. Another of this film's strengths lies in successfully establishing this brutal truth, when simultaneously manages to land a strong blow of satire and dark humor concerning the main theme. Even if it feels conceited midway through, in the last half you realize that, even though there is hope for human coexisting, the dehumanization of war always prevails.
In addition, the acting was superb. When tackling an important theme like war in a bold and satirical manner, considerable acting talent is needed. Fortunately, the pre-established requirements are met with the chosen cast. All of them manage to give a career-defining performance, considerably fleshing out their characters and making them intimate and multi-dimensional. Of course, the highlight is Lembit Ulfsak's performance as Ivo, a kind old man that tends to help anyone in need without any doubt, while his wisdom is critical on making the other characters reflect on their past actions.
In the end what makes this film important is not only the virtuosity of cinematography and composed music displayed or the exemplary acting, but the inspired portrait of humanity's ever changing mask: It can represent a peaceful coexisting, leaving a sweet taste, or a dehumanized atrocity that is war, leaving a bitter taste. But doesn't this bittersweet taste remind you of freshly-cut tangerines?