Reviews

I did not know the story of the poet, when I watched this film. I read it later and discovered that I had guessed it right. So, for all the people saying that this film has no storyline--it is there. It is not conventional though. I'd recommend it for people who love film and art, especially abstract art. It is visually stunning, hypnotizing, with series of shots that can be compared to paintings. The play on rituals, costumes,history, is amazing. All of those are director's interpretations of the everyday objects, clothing, sounds... It can be weary if a viewer does not like experimental, abstract art and is looking for an obvious storyline. Also, knowing some facts about the poet Sayat Nova would take the guessing part away (like, oh, I guess this part means that he went to the monastery) and will help the viewer focus on the film more. However, as I said, I watched with no prior research and still loved it.

Very good film to watch,it is not a masterpiece, but worthy of viewer's time.

Also, all of the actors are wonderful, especially the famous ones. Sometimes that we think we've seen too much of them and we stop believing that they can act. I mean Tom Cruise has been posing ( instead of acting) in most of his recent films, so to see him actually perform so well is a treat. And I don't even want to start talking about Macy and Hoffman. They are very good actors and it is a pleasure to watch them act. Film gets very interesting towards the end. It is long, but I never got tired watching it.

I expected this film to be awful and it turned out to be decent. This is not the best film I've seen last several months, but I have certainly seen worse. It is a bit more pretentious that it can deliver. But all in all I think it deserves rating between 5 and 7, depending on a taste of a viewer. It is nice to watch and though sometimes it is too predictable and dialog sucks, it still touches you. I wish it was done better, it could've been. i liked grey color. Music was sickly sometimes. acting was good. Who would've thought that pretty boy Ashton could act? I would recommend this movie if you like drama, slow-pace, better-than- mediocre photography and don't have anything to do.

The biggest thing about this movie is how beautiful it is. Yes, symbols are somehow too transparent, plot and music a bit cheesy,a bit too superficial, but it is so beautiful that you kinda forget those things. actors are beautiful , setting is beautiful, sex scenes are beautiful. Very sensual, but making-love-in-the-light-of-a-setting-sun-on-the-beach kinda way. however the funny thing is that you will enjoy the film nevertheless and not only because of sex, but somehow this film is appealing. thought you understand the flaws of this film, you still get aesthetic pleasure on some basic, unspoiled by good taste and good movies level. I like this film because it proves that good film can be made in any genre. You should remember that this is an erotic film. otherwise, if you expect an independent film about love, you should watch something else.

Few films surprise a film snob like me. After seeing the preview, I did not want to watch the movie. I was so wrong! It is not like its preview. This movie is not about killing or shooting or Brad Pitt or anything like that. It is about wonderful camera work, beautiful shots, references to other movies which a movie lover will recognize and soak in the mood that they create, it's about music, it's about perfect pacing, it's about great suspense, but most of all--it's about humor and irony and it proves that for a film to be great , it does not have to be drama. I would not say it is the best movie made. I would not say it is the best comedy I have seen. I would just say that it is the best movie in its genre--what genre? I don't know. Tarantino one.

I am Georgian myself (from Tbilisi,actually) and this is why it was so painful for me to watch this movie. I am almost certain that the screenwriter and most of the characters are "painted" from the real persons. After all, I have also witnessed beggars in the streets and workless artists. Of course, this is not a complete picture of Tbilisi,but since later is often pictured as sunny and beautiful, I appreciate the filmmaker's courage to show the ugly side of what's happening in his own back yard. Doubtless, technology needs more work;however,taking in mind the situation in my city(as depicted in this movie),I am thankful that its release was possible at all, even with bad film and most likely underpaid actors and that no matter how dark it is in the streets of Tbilisi,some filmmakers still make it.

I agree, Babluiani did not invent thrillers. Thus, some might say he is not original. Granted, Old Alfred would be our idol forever.However, this director knows how to play with the genre. First of all,this movie is perfect technically. I don't remember when was the last time that I saw a movie that did not need more editing. Be ready for a very independent,non-Hollywood film( why, why does he make a remake in English? Do we have to sell everything?) It is based on some tradition of Georgian movies ( we like playing intellectuals ) but also cultured by French ideas, Existentionalism leading the parade. If you like action movies, you will not enjoy it; If you like work well done, you will marvel at the perfection of the camera,music,acting, etc;If you just like watching weird movies, you will want to hug the director and beg him for more. I appreciated the plot.Since you do not know a lot about characters, you have to catch their personality in minor details ( like sad facial expression of hero's mother or his affection towards his sister, it is shown for just a split of a second). I like the main character and I believe he looks wonderful in B/W. I didn't give 10 because I rarely give 10 to movies.Plus I am afraid to be subjective,since I am Georgian myself.However, I highly recommend it to independent movie lovers.