There is subtle humor that overlays the tense drama about a pacifist Estonian who gives refuge to a mercenary and his war enemy, a Georgian, in the '92 war of Abkhazia.
And that makes the viewing interesting. The story unfolds rather slowly, revolving around the pacifist's cozy house and a huge farm bearing tangerines (orange-like fruits). The message is clear - that war affects the innocent as well as the players, and the only way to react is to be a pacifist, just like our protagonist. Human relations are dealt with pure realism here, and that is propelled by some good writing.
This is no extraordinary film, yet so captivating that you will ache for it. The characterization is very fine, and so is the attention to details. I won't say much about this all-male-cast film that is the most subtle yet deafening film I have seen in weeks.
BOTTOM LINE: Tangerines aka Mandariinid will appeal to even non- speakers of Estonian/Russian, not because it is a clever message- conveying drama, but because it urges you to embrace the truth. 7/10 - recommended!
And that makes the viewing interesting. The story unfolds rather slowly, revolving around the pacifist's cozy house and a huge farm bearing tangerines (orange-like fruits). The message is clear - that war affects the innocent as well as the players, and the only way to react is to be a pacifist, just like our protagonist. Human relations are dealt with pure realism here, and that is propelled by some good writing.
This is no extraordinary film, yet so captivating that you will ache for it. The characterization is very fine, and so is the attention to details. I won't say much about this all-male-cast film that is the most subtle yet deafening film I have seen in weeks.
BOTTOM LINE: Tangerines aka Mandariinid will appeal to even non- speakers of Estonian/Russian, not because it is a clever message- conveying drama, but because it urges you to embrace the truth. 7/10 - recommended!