Tangerines (2013) User Reviews

Rare movie gem

[851222 · 9/10 · 13 May 2015]

Greetings from Lithuania.

"Mandariinid" (2013) is very good movie. Very realistic (well, maybe bonding between two characters was a bit to quick), with beautiful cinematography, very strong acting, tight and simple but very involving script and top notch directing, this is a true movie gem.

The story itself isn't complicated, although the background in which it takes place maybe is not very well know in Western countries. Nevertheless, it is told with simple and universal language.

Overall, "Mandariinid" is not much a war movie - it's antiwar movie in every sense. The isn't much action, but at running time 1 h 22 min this movie is superbly paced, doesn't drag for a second and is very enjoyable for those who like quite but powerful stories.

Humanity can be stronger than what separates us

[centinel822 · 9/10 · 22 January 2014]

First, let me say that I am not by nature a peacenik. That said, I was thoroughly charmed by this anti-war film. In the same vein as films like "Enemy Mine," this film explores the well-trod ground of war and how it affects individual civilians and combatants alike, but does so on a much smaller, more intimate stage than usual war films.

The story throws together men with different ages, nationalities, and religions, and asks whether there is something more basic or more important than these distinctions. What happens when the faceless enemy in the woods becomes a man with his own thoughts and problems? Kudos to the director and all of the actors for portraying realistic characters and for allowing us to believably grow with the characters. Lembit Ulfsak is particularly stellar as Ivo, the "moral man." I think that scriptwriters too often give their characters weight and authority by giving them some defining moment or backstory. Not here. Ivo is defined, instead, by what he does and says in the confines of the film, and it is his moral compass that lead the rest of the characters, and, by extension, us to question our own prejudices.

All in all, a beautiful story beautifully told.

Tangerines:About Russian-Abkhasian war vs Georgia

[vitiges63 · 9/10 · 13 December 2013]

Though generally categorized as a war drama, the newest picture from Georgian director Zaza Urushadze only uses war as a background to its moralizing and mightily effective story. There is a war, but it takes place within one household and is fought with words not weapons.

Tangerines takes place in 1992 in a small village during the infamous War In Abkhazia, in which the mentioned country is trying to separate itself from Georgia. Only two men live in this secluded place, Ivo and Markus, Estonians whose daily lives consist of picking tangerines from the trees, in order to sell them later and earn money that will help them get back to Estonia and survive the war.

One day, just in front of their homes, a fight ensues. After it's over, it seems that the only survivor of the deadly battle is Ahmed, a Chechen mercenary on a mission to keep Georgians out of the Abkhaz soil. The two villagers take the wounded man home and decide to bury the rest, but suddenly, in the middle of the burial, they realize that there is another survivor - a young Georgian soldier. They place him under the same roof with Ahmed. What follows is an intense and intelligent, but also spot-on hilarious, bloodless war between two fierce enemies, all the more engaging due to the fact that although there aren't any effective explosions or gunfights, the splendidly story knows how to keep the blood pumping.

Tangerines is filled with many unexpected laughable situations and amusing taunts, but at the same time has some intense scenes that remind the viewer of the war that takes place off screen, and a few heartbreaking moments that may easily bring tears to one's eyes. But the most important aspect of the whole scenario is the bonding between all the characters. Under Ivo's watchful eye, the two enemies gradually become close to each other when they finally recognize the true power of compassion and kindness. It takes time, but after lots of insults and death threats the two men begin to see that prejudice against people is only a fictitious creature made by hatred and it can be quickly defeated by opening one's mind to new experiences.

The moralizing side of the whole story might seem simple, yet the way it's delivered through that really well-written script is imaginative and profoundly touching. By seeing the enormous change that the characters go through in those tough times, one might actually ponder the true meaning of humanity as a entirety, without any boundaries caused by such trivial matters as different nationalities, races or religions. It's actually quite fascinating to observe how universal the story really is, and how easily adaptable to all sorts of flash points in our hate-ridden world.

The premise is interesting, but the final effect is truly stunning. Honestly, I consider Tangerines to be the most captivating European feature I saw during Warsaw Film Festival this year and it should definitely be screened in more countries. By the time I finished the review, I knew that Zaza Urushadze won the festival's best director award, which is well deserved considering how his visionary approach to a hard and controversial topic made the movie an enormously enjoyable treat.

Patryk Czekaj, Contributing Writer

Anti-War, Pro-Humanity

[christian94 · 10/10 · 28 August 2014]

This film is flawless and one of the highlights of the Montreal World Film Festival 2014. It also was recognized with many international prizes in Europe, North America and even Israel. It captures the incoherence and inhumanity of war from the point of view of innocent civilians and of dehumanized soldiers. The pace and plot are crisp, compact and conscious-elevating with a spectacular, yet simple screenplay. The cinematography and music match and enhance the emotional and philosophical human drama. The acting from the all-male cast is poignant and powerful in its restraint. Zaza Urushadze's text comes to life like a play in this sometimes claustrophobic confine which only heightens the inherent tension between the protagonists. The directing does however balance this with the sad beauty of rural Abkhazia conflict zone. The simple sets set the mood and this movie is shooting for the moon.

Alexander Kuranov returns as the editor after teaming up with Zaza Urushadze for the excellent multiple story Three Houses (2008) and gets every cut and emotion right. The dialogue, like the film, is raw, unpredictable, mysterious and profound. It brings you the very core of humanity's hopes and fears. The theme of pointless war has rarely been portrayed so perfectly. It surpasses even seminal South Korean The Front Line (2011) and does so in a intellectual and emotionally effective way. Beyond that it is a human drama about people stuck in a conflict and how they decide to deal with it and each other. Is there a glimpse of hope or some guidelines we can learn from?

Be sure that I will be looking for Zaza's previous and next work. This is cinema at it's best.

A strong human values film, with the war intruded and in the background

[BeneCumb · 8/10 · 6 August 2014]

Ethnic and/or religious armed conflicts are always particularly painful, "realpolitik" vs. history, perceptions vs. actual circumstances, victims vs. profiteers, etc. The War in Abkhazia (1992–93) was one of the first post-Soviet gory confrontations, with tens of thousands dead, ethnic cleansing, and included the biggest successful rescue operation so far by the Estonian government to save compatriots, not even citizens, as their forebears settled there in 19th century... Many smaller nations, like Estonians, did not choose sides, they just tried to survive and carry on, splendidly expressed through tangerines in the film, but remote weaponry reaches everywhere and does not ask questions (Estonians were not considered hostile by both sides).

All this is nicely presented in this Estonian-Georgian film, where Estonian actors used are all famous film actors (the Georgian ones were unfamiliar to me, but they were convincing), and characters seem very realistic. As far as I know, the topic of honour and keeping word are holy among the Caucasus nations, enabling to depict scenes and events odd and even improbable among the Western, "civilized" nations. The venue is limited to the remains of a village, but as everything is so properly constructed and performed, you do not feel embattled, and can follow and emphasize with all characters, significantly widening the audience and letting ponder on and over the essence of warfare.

PS The film is totally "male", only actors were present, no actresses, but the less than 1,5 hours pass tautly.

Very good

[Red_Identity · 16 January 2015]

That's what a nomination from the Oscars can do to a foreign-language film. it can build hype, put them on the spotlight, let so many others see films that might have not otherwise been seen by people who usually don't go out of their way to see foreign films. It's a rather lovely film, despite having subject matter that would be seen as glum or dry. Surely, it's not a "happy" film, but it's lovely in its themes that it reinforces by the end and what it's ultimately trying to tell us. In that way, it succeeds greatly and it offers as a reminder of our own problems and our own flaws, and that humanity, despite so many reasons to not care about others, can prevail in the end and make you really care for someone.

When the story takes first place

[ayoreinf · 9/10 · 15 July 2014]

Zaza Urushadze gives the highest priority to his story. It's a very powerful story carrying a strong antiwar massage. And Urushadze tells it as if he's not there. As if we're watching the actual events taking place before us. This isn't a result of inaptness, this is a deliberate decision to let the story stand in the limelights on its own and avoid anything that could divert the viewers attention from it. You won't find any elaborate shots, any amazing breathtaking sights, no fireworks showing the director's technical mastery. Urushadze tells us about the follies of war and he makes sure that's what we'll get when we see his film. He's aided by superb actors, mainly Lembit Ulfsak playing the strong minded Ivo, a man of few words that makes every word of his count. Reserved, strong willed and determined, a role calling for acting of the highest quality and Lembit Ulfsek is up to the task. In fact there's nothing else to speak about regarding this movie, only the actors, and the director's lean approach to cinematic story telling. Thing is, even when that's all there is if it's done at such level of perfection it's a must see movie.

What are WE if we can't empathize

[shirifrnz · 9/10 · 4 September 2017]

I'm not aware of the political, historical, religious & ethnic differences between the people depicted in the movie, but I can still relate to them. I mean not in the literal sense but just on human level.

I think, almost always, majority of the people who are fighting a war are not personally affected by its cause. It's something that's just inculcated in them. They are taught to hate the opposite side.

This movie, with a handful of characters, in just so little words, in such a short time, makes you realize that you can empathize with anyone. You should just have the will to do so. Humanity is capable of so much love that there can be no place left for hatred, but sadly we're too busy fighting, every day, every where, in one or another part of the world.

This is a captivating movie from the first frame to the last. The background score uplifts and complements the mood of the movie so beautifully. The acting is sublime, the direction is top notch. The story is really simple and all the charm is in the storytelling.

It makes you question yourself. Whatever your hate is, if you can learn to empathize, then you've lived a life.

Things to kill for, things to live for

[Semisonic · 7/10 · 3 March 2016]

War certainly never changes. And no matter what reasons make people leave their regular lives and go kill each other, it all boils down to the blind rage and bloodthirstiness. There are no noble causes, no right and wrong, just "us" and "them" and killing them before they kill us.

The ugliness of all this mess is best noticed when put against the pure beauty of the land the people are fighting for. Against the nature that knows no war and against people who only wanna live in harmony with it and reap what the land yielded for them. And that's the essence of the story behind Tangerines: a dying Estonian settlement in the Caucasus region, with only a few people left who try to gather the tangerines while there is still time, while the war breaks all around them about which country this land should belong to.

The beauty of Tangerines is in its simplicity. It doesn't try to judge, to separate right from wrong, to label people for what made them go to that war - money or duty. It cares for none of it. The only thing that matters is that we are all human, and killing each other is a pointless and senseless thing per se. That the person you are so desperately trying to kill today might become your only friend tomorrow. Because that's what war does: it makes everybody blind, and the only way to start seeing again is to reject it altogether.

The naivety of that pacifist message may be endearing, but it also demands for an oversimplification. Preaching peace is only possible if you ignore all the complexities that led to the war in the first place. In fact, Tangerines tries a bit too hard to avoid any complexities at all, nipping them in the bud. Why are the Abkhazians fighting for their independence? Why are the Georgians so eager to keep them from getting it? Why are the Russians and their blood money involved? Why is Ivo so reluctant to leave his village and move to Estonia to his family? What will he do when the rest of the settlers leave? The answers to these questions are either blurred or not even hinted at, as if the whole world has suddenly shrunk to these two Estonian guys, their unexpected guests and a tangerine garden.

And while that reclusiveness - both physical and spiritual - may be a powerful personal stance, it deprives Tangerines of a certain cinematographic depth. Of course, there may be no obvious solutions to all the big problems of our world, especially when it comes to war, but sometimes it's simply not enough to put a flower into a barrel of a rifle to fix it all. Even if it's a tangerine blossom.

Just watched a brilliant cinema from Goergia

[tarek3358 · 9/10 · 18 December 2014]

I never watched any Georgian movie before 'Mandariinid'. So first experience was really so convenient and remarkable. This movie leads me to step forward in Georgian cinema crowd.

The tenderness of this movie give peace to the audience. The certainty of this movie contain peace,sympathy,humanity,courtesy,generosity.This cinema is one of the most influencing visionary art of anti war. This cinema has a ability and eligibility to persuade the audience into morality.

A Georgian war cinema where Abkhazia want to depart from Georgia. A story of two enemies who hates each other but deep inside a little humanity grow after they passed some time in a house of a old man 'Ivo' who saved their life.The character Ivo is established as a cue of virtuous. There are another guy who works with the old man who harvest the crops of tangerine.

It is definitely a good anti war movie. The cinematography,music,editing composition was upstanding. Specially, cinematography language was established strongly. 'Zaza Urushadze' i will definitely memorize the name.

"Mandariinid – a movie that reminds oneself of the profoundly childish nature of war"

[stefanostsougranis · 7/10 · 5 February 2015]

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?

Human, too human.

[SvetoslavGrigorov · 10/10 · 21 September 2015]

Every human being should see this movie.

Not that it's against the horror of war. Not that it's so little like our lives are as little in the universe. Not that if it wins an Oscar cause it's been nominated in the category for а foreign movie this year would change something. Not that you can see yourself there. Not that it's bigger than all religions in the world. Not that it's a drama and you don't like drama but your life is a drama. Not that you will not like it or like it. Not that it's a movie from 2013 but its distribution has been delayed for 2 years.

"Not that" too many times to count BUT because if you don't see it you will miss a lot. I know that.

Pacifism Rules. ♦ 70%

[nairtejas · 7/10 · 3 May 2015]

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!

Let's see...Ambien or Tangerines?

[asc85 · 2/10 · 25 October 2015]

I wasn't planning on writing a review for this one, but when 39 of the 41 reviews written thus far are positive about Tangerines, I have to show the other side of this. I was certainly looking forward to seeing it, as it got an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film, and it was listed as only being 87 minutes. But once it started, it was slow and boring, and I almost fell asleep numerous times. No new ground broken here...another user reviewer compared this movie to "No Man's Land," and thought "No Man's Land" was much better. I found that comparison really interesting, because as I was watching this, I thought of "No Man's Land" too, and thought it was much better than Tangerines. I hope the Oscar nomination was a shot in the arm for film-making in Estonia, and that's always a good thing. But the film itself? Skip it, and watch "No Man's Land" instead if you're in the mood for a film like this.

Finally, at least in the DVD in the United States, the subtitles were super-small, making it difficult to read.

story from East

[Vincentiu · 30 April 2014]

more than a war film, it is a peace manifesto. so, important is not the story itself - one from many - but the science to give delicacy and force to its levels. a film about solitude, hate and reconciliation with yourself. about survive in harsh time. powerful and poetic, cold and precise,human virtues in a special angle. a basic story and a lot of pieces who presents the best way to be more than part of a crisis. Ivo is a remarkable character for the virtue to remind old known truths. it is the merit not only by actor or scriptwriter, director or image. it is a merit of viewer who see the wise man who drives , always, the tensions from a space of conflicts to the necessary end.a film of silence and words as signs of it. a film who impress. for the smart manner to not be a lesson or only a good movie. but a necessary parable. about the deep essence of life.

"Don't be surprised. There are people worth their word."

[classicsoncall · 10/10 · 28 July 2018]

I've always been of the opinion that if you took any number of children at birth of diverse nationalities, ethnicities and religions, and allowed them to grow up together without any preconceived biases, they would grow up respectful and tolerant of each other, and more importantly, attain a friendship among themselves. I think that's what's at the heart of "Tangerines" once you strip away such connotations as 'Chechen', 'Georgian', 'Abkhazian' and 'Russian'. Because after all is said and done, people are just people, and have no reason to hate each other at face value. It's only when one's particular background is revealed that someone of a differing circumstance begins to exhibit prejudice and bias. The film, and the actions of Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak), Margus (Elmo Nüganen) and doctor Juhan (Raivo Trass), in overlooking the enmity between Chechen Ahmed (Giorgi Nakashidze) and Georgian Nika (Misha Meskhi), help the two enemies see each other as humans on the opposite side of a struggle for which there will ultimately be no winners or losers when it comes to the finality of death. Particularly poignant is the final scene, in which we learn the reason why Ivo will not return to Estonia, while offering his assurance to Ahmed that he would just as soon have buried him next to his own son in the same manner as Nika (only a little further away, to add an element of ironic humor to the story). I thought this was a thoughtful and provocative film with a discernible message of tolerance in a hate filled world, though at the same time, I have no illusions that a message as simple as the one delivered here, would have any impact on the those whose ideologies take precedence over humanity.

Two Estonians living in a rural settlement in rural Georgia are caught in the middle of a separatist conflict

[janesnow · 10/10 · 4 May 2015]

I don't normally give 10/10 to films, but this was easy. This isn't a slow artistic movie where nothing happens, critics laud and regular people don't get. This is something so good everyone can agree on. Everything counts for something, there is nothing there for nothing. And not for mere symbolism, but everything has a reason to be in the film - there are no stock characters, no stock conversations and no stock props.

Every word counts for so much that you couldn't cut out one second of the film without flinching. It is neither slow nor rushed, neither pro-Georgian nor pro-separatist, neither pro-settlement or pro-exodus... very few people could've made this same movie with this same script without ruining it with political biases like anti-Islam, anti-Russia, anti-Georgian, anti-Caucasian, anti-Communist, anti-separatist sentiment (or pro any of those). This movie is about the people in it and it does it well without the director getting caught up in tit-for-tat us-vs-them situation nor does it show some premonition of what is to happen 10-20 years from then.

It's a story about the early 1992, not 2001 or 1941. It's a story about an Estonian man living in Georgia. I personally know directors that would see this script and add so much history and awareness of the future that it would ruin it. This director goes without cheap attempts at referencing bigger historical events for the sake of contextualization.

Everything here is weighted and is kept in the movie after careful consideration, from the car to the cassette, from the photo to the guns, from the shrapnel to the shish kebabs.

No clichés, no stock characters, no distractions - just a great story.

If I had to say a bad thing about it - the music (the main theme), although great, gets repetitive after a while.

Easily film of the year and in my personal top 10.

A small scaled anti-war film that delivers its message effectively.

[estebangonzalez10 · 8/10 · 30 January 2015]

"What is wrong with you, young men? All the time, I will kill, I will kill... Who gave you the right for that?"

I wasn't familiar with Estonian cinema before Mandariinid (Tangerines), but I will definitely be keeping my eyes open for Zaza Urushadze's upcoming projects because this was a fulfilling experience. I know the Academy doesn't always get it right, but at least it gives me a chance to check out films that I wouldn't have heard of otherwise. Urushadze's greatest strength as a director here comes from focusing on the story, which he also wrote. It is a simple anti-war film with a powerful narrative and strong performances that benefit from an interesting premise. Urushadze doesn't try to astonish the audience with great visuals or overload us with gruesome action scenes like most war films, but rather focuses on the humanity of each character and does so by centering the story in a small local community where only two men remain. He reduces the Civil War taking place in the Apkhazian region and focuses it on how it affects two local Estonians who have decided to stay in their farmland instead of seeking safety back in Estonia. Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak) and Margus (Elmo Nuganen) are neighbors who work together. Margus has a tangerine plantation (which explains the somewhat terrible title) and Ivo is a carpenter who makes the boxes for their transportation so they collaborate together. Since the war broke out, everyone in the land has returned to Estonia, but these two men have decided to stay. Ivo is a determined and wise old man who doesn't take sides in the war. When a conflict breaks out in front of their home, two soldiers are seriously injured and Ivo takes them into his home. The soldiers (Giorgi Nakashidze and Misha Meskhi) are enemies and we are expecting the tension to break out once they fully recover. Ivo knows this, but he also believes he can teach them a lesson through his acts of kindness during this terrible time of war. The film is effective and accomplishes its purpose of delivering its anti-war message by focusing on the humanity of each one of the characters.

Lembit Ulfsak delivers the best performance of the film. He gives a quiet and calmed performance. Despite all the hate and hurtful things the two soldiers say to each other, he is always the voice of reason reminding them that they all share the same land and have equal rights. Ulfsak expresses this inner peacefulness very well from the opening scene in which some local soldiers come searching for food. He is the kind of person that would help anyone, even those that consider him an enemy. Elmo Nuganen is also solid as Margus who has a strong relationship with Ivo and looks up to him. When the two injured soldiers appear at their doorsteps the balance is disrupted and the war comes knocking home. So we clearly see how war takes its toll on everyone, even those who have nothing to do with the fighting, affecting their business and their lifestyle. Giorgi Nakashidze and Misha Meskhi deliver solid roles as these enemies who call a truce out of respect for Ivo while they are in his home. I found the simple premise for this film as a strong way to carry out its message by reducing the big scale of the war to a small local village, but still portraying it as something terrible. Some might consider this too simple of a story or too improbable, but I think it was a quite affecting way to deliver its message. I enjoyed how Zaza Urushadze decided to approach this material and would definitely recommend it.

Just Like a Tangerine, It is a Delicious Mix of Sweet and Acidic Flavours!

[sandnair87 · 9/10 · 13 August 2015]

Crafted poignantly by writer-director Zaza Urushadze, Tangerines is a simple but gripping look at human side of conflict. Set in 1992, it tells the story of an Estonian tangerine farmer who is awaiting harvest when the battle between Georgia and Abkhazian separatists comes to his doorstep. Although set in a specific time and place, the film's message about human life is universal.

Right at the peak of hostilities, we are introduced to two Estonian immigrant farmers - Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak, both commanding and compassionate in his performance) and his partner Margus. While most of the population has escaped to safer ground, the pair stay to harvest their tangerine crop. It's an almost impossible task for two, but it's one they tackle, not for financial gain, but because it would be a travesty to see such a fine crop left to die. Their farming woes are trumped when a skirmish outside their homes leaves several dead and one wounded soldier from each side: Ahmed, a Chechen mercenary; and Niko, a Georgian volunteer. Ivo takes in both injured men to tend to their wounds, bringing the ethnic tensions under one roof. His only rule is that they must set aside their instincts to kill each other until both are healthy. The film hardly ever strays from its one set location - Ivo's farmhouse looking like a leftover from another century - allowing the tension to brew unobstructed as both men slowly regain their health. It's during the healing process that the men begin to look past political manifestos, religious doctrines and social convictions to see that they really aren't that different. The mutual ceasefire forces the soldiers into a pocket of peace – the same peace they've been fighting for. Despite threatening to kill each other once they are ambulatory, their enforced propinquity fosters tolerance if not friendship, in a mutual show of respect and gratitude towards their savior.

With this simple premise in place, Tangerines uses its small scale to say something big, converting the initial suspense into something more thematically and philosophically powerful as the hypocrisy of war is smoothly laid bare. Except for brief outbursts of violence, Tangerines is, like its hero Ivo, a stoic and introspective thing. The story moves slowly and methodically, tempering the expected rapprochement between enemies with a more acerbic outlook about human nature. Although there are moments of quiet humor, Tangerines is mostly a tragedy, told via looks exchanged between heated adversaries and their imperturbable intermediary. Over the course of the film, those looks soften from glaring mistrust to acceptance to heartbroken endurance in the face of the meaninglessness and inevitability of death.

For anyone looking for an uncomplicated anti-war argument painted by historical insight, superb performances and airtight direction, 'Tangerines' is a must-see. Just like a tangerine, it is a delicious mix of sweet and acidic flavors.

Examining the human side of conflicts of war

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 10 May 2015]

"Tangerines" (2013 release from Estonia; 87 min.) brings the story of a conflict being played out in the early 90s in the countryside of Georgia (the country not the state), involving Georgians, Chechens, and Estonians who have lived in Georgia for many years. As the movie opens, the fighting is going on and we learn that many Estonian families have returned to Estonia. Not Ivo of his neighbor Margus, however. Margus is about to harvest his crop of tangerines, and Ivo builds crates to held them. Then one day, small groups of Georgians and Chechens are fighting nearby Ivo's house and as it happens, one Georgian and one Chechen survive. Ivo sees no other solution than to take them both into his house. At this point we're a good 10 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: first, despite the occasional fighting, please do not mistake this for a "war" or worse, an "action" movie. Most of the film plays out in Ivo's house and the burning question is: once they both realize what their situation is and, more importantly, who the other guy is, what will the Georgian and Chechen guys do? (No worries, I'm not going to spoil). So this movie has as much a feel of a theater play than it feels like a movie. Having now seen "Tangerines", I have now seen all 5 movies that were nominated for this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Movie, and I must admit that, given the strong crop of contenders, I'd probably rank "Tangerines" at the 5th of this group. That does NOT mean that "Tangerines" is not a good movie, it's just that the other 4 were even better.

I saw "Tangerines" in early May at the Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema (suburban Washington, DC). The matinée screening where I saw this was PACKED, somewhat to my surprise I will admit. But I think this is great news, as it proves that there is an audience out there for top-notch quality foreign movies. If you are in the mood for a tense theater play-reminding movie that examines the human side of conflicts of war, I'd readily suggest you check out "Tangerines", be it in the theater, on VOD, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray.

Georgian–Abkhazian War

[sergio91 · 9/10 · 18 December 2013]

The Storey takes place during the war in Abkhazia when Georgian government forces Vs Abkhaz separatist forces behind the Russian Interests.

Tangerines makes Deep impression onlooker, great performance by Lembit Ulfsak who played Estonian actor Lembit Ulfsak, especially role (georgian soldier) plays Mikheil Meskhi And Giorgi Nakashidze - Ahmeda.

Tangerines is Rich with many laughable situations and Interesting dialogs. Film is full moralize Zaza Main message said Through Ivo persona What is the point of war?

This film is actually Best Work Made In Georgia During last 20 Year, Zaza Urushadze knows how make an impression.

Powerful message, inconsistent execution.

[Sergeant_Tibbs · 7/10 · 3 February 2014]

Tangerines is a film neither character-driven nor plot-driven, instead it's a film powered by symbolic characters heading towards its moral. It compartmentalises the war in several rooms at Ivo's house, a neutral Estodian who picks tangerines for a living, as he cares for two wounded men both from either sides of the war. It's a very interesting concept for a film, perhaps one that would work very well for the stage, but it feels like it needs a wiser writer behind the pen. What could be thoroughly profound or feverishly tense is simplified and conflict is shown through passive aggression. However, it doesn't make the bonds of the men any less touching even if not as identifiable. Despite the majority of the film being calm and dialogue driven, its intense scenes certainly make up for it. The film's finest aspect is its rich photography, and the film knows it too as it constantly glides through the picture making the small scale very cinematic. I do wish the distracting score didn't cut through the powerful moments though, it was one step too far. Although Tangerines may be unfamiliar territory for some regarding the war, but its pacifist message is one that we can all empathise with.

7/10

Masterpiece that touches upon war, humanity, relationships and respect - with humor, insight and clear vision

[ArchonCinemaReviews · 9/10 · 14 February 2015]

Mandariinid, known as Tangerines in the US, is a thought provoking Estonian anti-war film set in the early 1990s.

An Estonian elder named Ivo has stayed behind in the Apkhazeti region of Georgia despite the advancement of the war around him. Most Estonians have left the region for their homeland, but Ivo remains and is helping his friend Margus who is staying to harvest a large crop of tangerines.

With the battle between Georgians against the Abkhazian side closing in around them, their homes become caught in the crossfire that leaves two surviving fighters from opposing sides badly hurt but alive. Opposed to the brutal siege and futility battle, Ivo takes both men into his home to nurse them to health. As they recover the tension and desire for vengeance returns. Vowing to respect Ivo's home and refrain from shedding blood under his roof they resume the animosity with a verbal onslaught, opening a dialogue to compare their similarities as members of humanity.

There is something about the film Tangerines (Mandariinid) that is immediately unnerving, which must be a deliberate decision from the writer and director Zaza Urushadze for this obviously anti-war film. The perilous reality of war in what is supposed to be a safe and tranquil countryside sets a looming tone of dread. Certain shots and scenes seem to foreshadow imminent malicious actions between the characters and that the film will simply not end well. In Urushadze forcing the viewer to feel unease he simultaneously forces the viewer to become engaged and invested in the characters and their story.

Initially I did not want to watch this film. The summary gave me great anxiety and quite frankly, I watched enough war films and there is enough war going on in the world that I felt I reached my threshold. Luckily, Tangerines is not really a war film and is, in fact, far more broad of an intellectual examination regarding wartime, and the nonsensical nature of it all within its tangible confines. Further, in being more philosophical, the film allows almost any viewer to relate and take a message from it. You don't need to know about the region or the specifics regarding the War in Abkhazia to understand its sentiment and intentions.

Tangerines is a beautiful gem of a film that feels more like a play, and unfortunately they do not make films like these anymore. The setting of the story is rather small, almost constrained to the small quarters of Ivo's quaint home. There is a minimal quantity of characters and the plot resides in the simple but thought-provoking dialogue exchange between these disparate individuals. The relationships between the characters are complex, distinct and fully-formed and compelling, thanks in part to he acting of Lembit Ulfsak, Misha Meskhi and Giorgi Nakashidze.

Though the film is about war, and the war never truly dissipates entirely to the background, there is a dry humor to the film. In its simplicity and clear vision, Tangerines succeeds in examining extremely complicated and tense subject matter with a heart felt and resonating effect.

All I can say is I hope it wins for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars against other films with more exposure - because it is a stand out as a gripping feat of thought provoking cinema.

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don't really buy Ahmed's turn

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 21 January 2016]

After the start of 1992 conflict between Georgia and the Russian-supported Abkhazia, most of the long-established Estonian settlements have been abandoned. Ivo has remained to build crates for his neighbor Margus' tangerines. The conflict arrives at their door step and they have two wounded fighters from opposing sides. Ahmed is a Chechen mercenary and Niko is the Georgian. Villager Juhan comes to treat the wounded.

I applaud the movie's message. There is only one problem. I don't buy Ahmed's change of heart. The movie starts with great tension as Ivo deal with his unasked-for Chechen guests. Everything goes well until Ahmed falls under Ivo's spell and change his character. It doesn't seem earned by the movie. Despite some darker turns, this feels more like an attempted fable. Also the Georgian conflict feels quaint as the world slide further and further into darkness.

A fragile plot that doesn't want to take any risks

[Fenrir_Sleeps · 4/10 · 15 May 2016]

Although I understand why "Tangerines" is a public favorite, I can't really get aboard the hype train regarding this Estonian-Georgian production.

Whichever good intentions had the director Zaza Urushadze on producing this anti-war statement, they were lost within a very timid plot, which lacks the confidence to set itself free from all the conventions of this kind of story.

I found "Tangerines"'s plot utterly clichéd, predictable, emotionally manipulative, and its characters were carved paper thin. I don't demand intricate stories to tell such simple, yet important lessons like the futility of war, but there's a difference between simplicity and predictability.

The great interpretations from the cast (especially from Lembit Ulfsak (Ivo) and Giorgi Nakashidze (Ahmed)) and the compelling visuals of "Tangerines" can't save the film from its thin argument, and even though I don't doubt Urushadze's integrity to tell a story that touches such sensible topics from Estonia's recent History, he can't turn it more compelling than any given Hollywood war movie.