Powerful and moving Oscar-nominated war film 'best ever' fans have seen

Daily Record

9 hours ago

Tangerines, the Estonian-Georgian film has been lauded for its powerful portrayal of anti-war sentiment, which has resonated with audiences and critics alike
The critically acclaimed Tangerines has been praised for delivering a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the subject of war, earning commendation for its staunch anti-war message on the silver screen.
The film is a product of Zaza Urushadze's cinematic vision, serving as the producer, scribe, and director of this 2013 Estonian-Georgian collaborative effort, which skilfully tackles the challenging topics of conflict, reconciliation, and the aspiration for peace.
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Set against the backdrop of the 1992–1993 Abkhazian conflict, Tangerines unfolds in the year 1992 within the war-torn landscapes of Abkhazia—a separatist region of Georgia—engulfed by the aftermath of hostilities.
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It chronicles the tale of Ivo, an Estonian tangerine farmer, who boldly chooses to remain amidst the chaos to tend to his orchard. Faced with the brutal realities of the surrounding violence, Ivo gives shelter to a stricken soldier left to fend for himself.
Garnering international acclaim, Tangerines received an Oscar nomination at the 87th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film — the first-ever Estonian production to achieve such prestigious acknowledgment. The film was further recognised with a nomination in the same category at the 72nd Golden Globe Awards, reports the Mirror US.
Shot amidst the striking scenery of Guria in Georgia, the cast features Lembit Ulfsak, Giorgi Nakashidze, Elmo Nüganen, and Mikheil (Misha) Meskhi in pivotal roles.
Winning the hearts of moviegoers and critics alike with an impressive 88 per cent endorsement rate on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has garnered universally positive feedback from critics; one such praise reads: "It is tremendous storytelling: engaging, intelligent, and with some lovely touches."
Another reviewer heaped accolades on the film, stating: "You'd find that in investing 87 minutes of your time for Tangerines, you had viewed not just a poignant anti-war film, but a beautifully realised cinematic parable."
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Meanwhile, a critic hailed Urushadze's work with high commendation: "Pitch-perfect performances and Urushadze's careful unwinding of the story ensure Tangerines is never less than riveting."
On the topic of its profound resonance, a commentator remarked about Tangerines: "Although the subject of civil war within the former Soviet countries has been tackled in other movies, this retelling is one of the most concise and affecting."
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Likewise, feedback from audience members echoed the sentiment, as one described the anti-war piece as: "A gentle and delicate warning about death and life, wars and humanity! Beautiful filming and acting."
Concurrently, an enthusiastic spectator expressed it was "outstanding", elaborating: "What a powerful film. This was one of the best films I've seen in a while. The message was outstanding. Deserves an applaud."
Another individual insisted that the film rightly earned its Oscar nod, sharing: "Wonderfully acted and the cinematography is memorable. Compare the warmth and colour of the tangerine orchard with the bleakness of the land surrounding it. Oscar nominated, superbly acted. It is a striking anti-war film."
One viewer expressed unexpected admiration for the film, saying: "Not just another war movie. The story feels real and human and far from the front lines yet deeply entrenched in the struggles. It surprised me to like this film so much."