Tangerines by Zaza Urushadze: A Tale of Humanity Amidst Conflict

Main Cast and Crew:

• Director: Zaza Urushadze
• Writer: Zaza Urushadze
• Key Actors: Lembit Ulfsak as Ivo, Elmo Nüganen as Margus, Giorgi Nakashidze as Ahmed, Misha Meskhi as Niko, Raivo Trass as Juhan, and Zura Begalishvili as Khunuka
• Music Director: Niaz Diasamidze
• Director of Photography: Rein Kotov
• Producers: Ivo Felt and Zaza Urushadze

Tangerines is a 2013 Estonian-Georgian film directed and written by Zaza Urushadze. Set during the 1992-1993 War in Abkhazia, the film tells the story of Ivo, an elderly Estonian man who stays behind in a war-torn village to harvest his tangerine crop. When two wounded soldiers from opposing sides, Ahmed and Niko, seek refuge in Ivo’s house, he takes them in and cares for them. As the men recover, tensions rise, and the characters are forced to confront their own prejudices and the futility of war.

The film’s plot revolves around the interactions between Ivo, Ahmed, and Niko. Ivo, a wise and compassionate man, serves as a moral compass, providing a stark contrast to the violence and hatred surrounding them. Despite their initial animosity, Ahmed and Niko gradually develop a deep bond, realizing that they are not so different after all. Through their shared experiences and conversations, the film explores themes of humanity, empathy, and the senselessness of war.

Tangerines delves into the complexities of war and its impact on individuals and communities. It highlights the destructive nature of conflict and the toll it takes on both the physical and emotional well-being of those involved. The film also examines the power of compassion and the potential for reconciliation, even in the most dire circumstances.

Upon its release, Tangerines received widespread critical acclaim. It was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards and won numerous awards, including the Best Director and Best Screenplay at the 2013 Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The film’s lasting impact lies in its ability to humanize the victims of war and shed light on the universal desire for peace.

For potential viewers, Tangerines offers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. The film’s powerful performances, compelling storytelling, and stunning cinematography transport the audience into the heart of the conflict, allowing them to witness the devastating consequences of war firsthand. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in a world plagued by violence and division.

Memorable Quote:

“We are all the same. We are all human beings.”