In Bloom (2013)

Directed by: Nana Ekvtimishvili, Simon Gross
Country: Georgia / others

Movie Review: “In Bloom” is a very particular coming-of-age drama, co-directed by Georgian Nana Ekvtimishvili (who wrote the screenplay partially based on personal memories) and German filmmaker Simon Gross, in their second collaboration after 2007 “Fata Morgana”, though in other molds. The story is set in Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, in the early 90’s, right after the new born country has been freed from Soviet dominion. The war is still present through Abkhazia conflict, making the population to rush and quarrel to buy the daily bread. Apart from all these aspects, 14 year-old Eka and Natia, live other type of ‘war’, dealing with family problems and trying to fit in a society completely dominated by men. Despite the unshakeable friendship, their different personalities and very own way of thinking, will take them to distinct life experiences. The cinematography along with the performances by the two non-professional young actors, Lika Babluani and Mariam Bokeria, were simply formidable. However, and despite worthy, the film was not totally satisfying. While some scenes were unforgettable (Eka’s dance, or the disordered line to buy bread), others seemed slightly contrived, especially in its last part, where the strength demonstrated till there, started to decline. Eka’s feminist nature has so much to be appreciated that we keep following her no matter what. Even considering its powerful political, social, and cultural messages, it was through the performances that “In Bloom” surprised me.