In Bloom (Georgia, 2013)

This comes from Georgia, Eastern European country, and not the state in US.

The film is set in the post-Soviet Union era, but the story has little to do with the political repercussions which happened in 1990’s Georgia. It has more to do with the intricacies of friendship and the misery of the families going through the civil war without showing or revealing much details about the war. Directed by Nana Ekvtimishvili and Simon Gorb.

Like all school going kids, elsewhere in the world, Eka (Lika Babluani) and Natia (Mariam Bokeria) who are in crossroads to their adulthood have problems with their family and surroundings. As the film title suggests “In Bloom” is a coming-of-age story. 

Eka, daughter of a jailed criminal, lives with her mother and elder sister. Natia and her brother have to constantly battle with their alcohol-abused father who always picks up a fight with their mother. The story is set around Eka and Natia. They are always bullied by boys. Lado, the boyfriend of Natia presents her a gun (Pistol), before he leaves to Moscow. The gun is for her to safeguard herself from the bullies. She then forcibly gives the gun to Eka. The gun is shared among them as we keep guessing who and when they will use it. Will they ever use the gun and what will happen to Natia’ love with Lado is the rest of the film. 

The film doesn’t eat time to introduce the characters or to get into the plot. The film directly dives into the story and likewise it ends abruptly. As being as post-Soviet period, I thought there might be some scenes of the then civil war, but political events are shown very discreetly and seldom are it discussed by the characters.

It can be branded as apolitical film, which talks about two girls coming in terms with the events unfolding around them.

Trailer

Full Film is available in YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaiaQ2-6_ZY

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