Country: Estonia

Mandariinid

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…
Read more …
Compartment No. 6

In the tradition of train films, which adds huit clos to the direction and serendipity of the road trip genre, Russian train films form class apart: claustrophobic quarters shared with a medley of imposed companions within; monotonous, unwelcoming taiga without; the tedious stasis of the long journey unalleviated by surly staff and bad food. Shooting…
Read more …