An Estonian-Georgian co-production, Mandariniid (Estonia for tangerines) is set amidst the 1992–1993 War in Abkhazia as the conflict closes in on a tangerine farm in a now nearly depopulated ethnic Estonian village. The farmer simply wants to harvest his crop when two wounded soldiers – nominal enemies – appear on his doorstep. The film’s themes encompass conflict, reconciliation and pacifism.
“It is tremendous storytelling: engaging, intelligent, and with some lovely touches. When Ivo and Margus push a soldier’s van down a hill to hide it, they are disappointed it doesn’t burst into flames, like in the movies. “Cinema is a great big fraud,” says Ivo.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian.