Tangerines
dir. Zaza Urushadze · 2013
In the midst of conflict and suffering, the capacity for compassion and understanding can bridge divides and reveal our shared humanity.
Feature
War Trauma
Mood
Melancholic / Contemplative
Look
muted, earthy tones with naturalistic cinematography
Structure
linear with interspersed introspective moments
Plot
War in Abkhazia, 1992. An Estonian man Ivo has stayed behind to harvest his crops of tangerines. In a bloody conflict at his door, a wounded man is left behind, and Ivo is forced to take him in.
Why watch
"Tangerines" captivates with its poignant exploration of humanity amidst the brutal backdrop of war, showcasing how simple acts of kindness can flourish even in the darkest times. This film invites viewers to reflect on the ethical complexities of conflict while immersing them in a world where every tangerine harvested becomes a symbol of hope.
Cultural context
post-Soviet tensionsthe impact of conflict on rural lifeEstonian identityglobal humanitarian themes