One of the most enjoyable films I have seen this year. Iosseliani has a beautifully dry and intelligent sense of humour, which balances his astutely subtle socio-political observations perfectly.
Warm, life-affirming, empathetic, this is a film all students of the art of cinema (in fact, life in general) will (or should) relish. This is not a film for those with a lazy attitude to cinema, who expect films to do most the work for them. This is a film that requires that you bring your perception, humanity, and life-experience with you in order to fully enjoy its understated riches.
The acting was understated and charming, full of playful sight gags. Alas, the film may be difficult for some. A number of people simply gave up at the screening I attended and walked out - probably for the best – and at the end the audience gave a collective moan. Evidently, the fullness of Iosseliani's art sailed passed them, which is pity because they sat through but entirely missed a treat from one of the great artists of world cinema. Do whatever you can to see this superb gem.
