A first glimpse into life in Georgia which was part of the Soviet Union before its collapse in the early 1990s. It's a family drama but it gives a good idea of the country's values which may not be far different from those of other countries.
Here's a middle-aged woman who's ready to break away from tradition with gutsiness and determination. Not even a family council can dissuade her from going forward with her decision.
The viewer might not quite understand how a multigenerational home can withstand all the pressure and the bickering but it's embedded in the culture.
Ia Shugliashvili is great as Manana. It's a nuanced performance as she goes through her experience of leaving her family and starting life on her own. Ia's depiction of Manana's reaction upon learning of Soso's secret is laudable with her emotions simmering just below the surface without exploding.
Berta Khapava (Lamara) and Mareb Ninidze (Soso) provide able support to an unusual but engaging story.
Georgians appear to be passionate singers, and the film showcases this ebullience.
The ending is open-ended all the more reason that the viewer will spin his/her own version of what happens to Manana's admirable enterprise.
Here's a middle-aged woman who's ready to break away from tradition with gutsiness and determination. Not even a family council can dissuade her from going forward with her decision.
The viewer might not quite understand how a multigenerational home can withstand all the pressure and the bickering but it's embedded in the culture.
Ia Shugliashvili is great as Manana. It's a nuanced performance as she goes through her experience of leaving her family and starting life on her own. Ia's depiction of Manana's reaction upon learning of Soso's secret is laudable with her emotions simmering just below the surface without exploding.
Berta Khapava (Lamara) and Mareb Ninidze (Soso) provide able support to an unusual but engaging story.
Georgians appear to be passionate singers, and the film showcases this ebullience.
The ending is open-ended all the more reason that the viewer will spin his/her own version of what happens to Manana's admirable enterprise.