‘Tangerines’ is a 2013 Estonian-Georgian anti-war film directed by Zaza Urushadze. It follows an elderly Estonian man who remains in a war-torn Georgian village to harvest his tangerine crop and ends up providing shelter to two wounded soldiers from opposing sides, forcing them to coexist under his roof.
Many films explore the human cost of war, but few do it with the simple power of Tangerines (2013). This moving tangerines film, an Estonian-Georgian movie directed by Zaza Urushadze, is more than a war drama. It’s an anti-war masterpiece that makes us rethink our ideas about humanity, enemy lines, and the surprising friendships that can form in chaos. If you like cinema that challenges and moves you, then Tangerines is a film you need to see.
Here on the IWatchMovies Blog, where we offer dozens of individual movie reviews, we’ll explain why this small film from a decade ago still connects with so many people. We will look at the plot, its themes of empathy and neutrality, and the great performances that make the story feel real. Also, if you’ve ever wondered, “Is Tangerines that movie shot on an iPhone?”, you’re not alone! We’ll clear up that common confusion and explain the difference between Tangerines (2013) and another film with a similar name.
Ready to explore a movie that says so much without big battle scenes? Let’s get started with a clear look at what the movie Tangerines is about.
What is the movie Tangerines about?
The Setting: War in Abkhazia
The tangerines film is set during a specific and often overlooked conflict: the War in Abkhazia (1992-1993). This brutal struggle happened after the Soviet Union collapsed. It was a clash between Georgian government forces and Abkhaz separatists who wanted independence from Georgia.
During this time, ethnic tensions were high, and mercenary groups also got involved. The film focuses on a small Estonian village in Abkhazia, where Estonians had settled generations ago. The war forced most of them to flee, but a few, including the main characters, remained.
This dangerous setting is crucial to the film’s powerful anti-war message. It shows the devastating impact of conflict on ordinary people. [source: https://carnegieendowment.org/2022/10/05/abkhazia-s-unresolved-conflict-pub-88094]
Plot Summary: Humanity Amidst Conflict
At its heart, Tangerines (2013 film) is a story about humanity found in an unexpected place. The main character is an elderly Estonian carpenter named Ivo. He is one of the last people left in his village after most of his neighbors fled the war. His friend, Margus, also stayed behind to harvest his valuable tangerine crop before it’s destroyed.
Their quiet life is disrupted when a skirmish breaks out nearby, leaving wounded soldiers from both sides. Driven by compassion, Ivo takes them into his home to care for them. The catch is that one soldier is a Chechen mercenary fighting for Abkhazia, and the other is a Georgian soldier—they are mortal enemies.
Ivo’s home becomes a neutral zone. He makes one strict rule: there will be no fighting under his roof. The film follows these sworn enemies as they are forced to live together and see each other as human. It’s a moving story that explores empathy and questions the pointlessness of war.
The Main Characters
The small cast of Tangerines gives unforgettable performances. Each character is important and shows a different side of the war and its effects.
- Ivo (Lembit Ulfsak): A quiet, wise Estonian carpenter who acts as the film’s moral compass. He gives shelter and care to the wounded soldiers, and his deep sense of humanity is inspiring.
- Margus (Elmo Nüganen): Ivo’s neighbor, another Estonian. Margus is practical and focused on his tangerine harvest. Though he fears the danger around them, he supports Ivo’s difficult choice.
- Ahmed (Giorgi Nakashidze): A Chechen mercenary fighting on the Abkhazian side. At first, Ahmed is aggressive and hateful, but his views begin to soften as he interacts with Ivo and Nika.
- Nika (Mikheil Meskhi): A young, wounded Georgian soldier. Nika feels a deep hatred for Ahmed and his side. He represents the direct victims of the war and struggles with his feelings while living so close to his enemy.
Forced to live together, these characters find common ground. Their situation highlights the absurdity of war and shows the power of shared humanity.
Why is Tangerines Considered a Must-Watch Film?
Powerful Anti-War Message
The Tangerines film is more than a historical drama. It delivers one of cinema’s most powerful anti-war messages. The film looks past politics. Instead, it focuses on the devastating human impact of conflict.
The story takes place in a small, isolated village. Here, two Estonian farmers take in wounded soldiers from opposing sides of the Abkhazian War. This small setting clearly shows the pointless cruelty of war.
In addition, Tangerines shows how war changes ordinary people. It pushes them into roles they never wanted. The film expertly reveals the shared humanity hidden under uniforms and beliefs. It suggests that peace is possible when people choose understanding over hate. This message makes it a standout anti-war movie [1].
Key aspects of its anti-war message include:
- Focus on Individuals: The film highlights personal pain, not just battle statistics.
- Absurdity of Conflict: It shows how illogical it is to fight over ideas.
- Universal Appeal: Its message applies to any conflict, anywhere in the world.
- Hope for Reconciliation: Even with the violence, it offers a spark of hope for peace.
Themes of Neutrality and Empathy
Tangerines expertly explores the themes of neutrality and empathy. The main character, Ivo, is an Estonian carpenter. He chooses to stay out of the war around him. He only wants to harvest his tangerines. His neutral position is a key part of the film.
Ivo’s neutrality leads him to take in two sworn enemies: a Chechen and a Georgian soldier. At first, they are filled with hate. But living under the same roof slowly changes them. Ivo’s quiet strength and sense of right and wrong guide their actions.
Empathy becomes a powerful force in the story. The soldiers start to see one another as people, not just enemies. Their slow change from hate to reluctant respect, and then to a kind of caring, is very moving. The film suggests that real peace begins with small acts of empathy. It shows that we are all human and vulnerable. This emotional depth earned the film an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film [2].
The film shows empathy through:
- Shared Vulnerability: Both wounded soldiers must depend on Ivo.
- Common Needs: The need for food, shelter, and safety helps connect them.
- Ivo’s Example: His steady humanity sets a powerful example.
- Dialogue and Understanding: Being forced to talk leads to surprising moments of connection.
Stellar Performances and Directing
The powerful message of the Tangerines film is made even better by its great acting and directing. Director Zaza Urushadze created a focused, personal story. His vision gives the film great depth and perfectly captures the raw emotions of the characters.
The acting is excellent. Lembit Ulfsak gives a quiet yet powerful performance as Ivo. His subtle acting shows great wisdom and kindness, making him the moral heart of the film. Giorgi Nakashidze, as the Chechen soldier Akhmed, is just as strong. He changes from a tough soldier into a man struggling with his actions. Misha Meskhi, who plays the Georgian soldier Nika, completes this talented group. He shows the despair and eventual hope of a young man trapped in war.
Urushadze’s directing makes great use of the beautiful but war-torn Abkhazian landscape. The camerawork is stunning, often setting the calm beauty of nature against the ugliness of war. This visual style makes the film’s emotions even more powerful. The strong acting and skilled direction combine to make Tangerines an unforgettable movie. Its sharp pacing and moving scenes keep viewers engaged from start to finish [3].
Key elements that make it a success:
- Zaza Urushadze’s Vision: His clear direction makes every scene count.
- Lembit Ulfsak’s Portrayal: His quiet performance as Ivo is the foundation of the film.
- Compelling Supporting Cast: Nakashidze and Meskhi make their roles feel real.
- Atmospheric Cinematography: The visuals create the right mood and highlight the main themes.
Is Tangerines the Same as the Movie ‘Tangerine’ Shot on an iPhone?
Clearing the Confusion: ‘Tangerines’ (2013) vs. ‘Tangerine’ (2015)
Movie fans often get confused about two films with similar titles. Many people wonder if the anti-war film Tangerines (2013) is the same as the indie movie Tangerine (2015). Let’s clear this up.
Even though their names are similar, the two movies are completely different. They come from different countries, were released in different years, and have very different stories and styles.
To help you tell them apart, here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | ‘Tangerines’ (2013) | ‘Tangerine’ (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Original Title | Mandariinid | Tangerine |
| Year Released | 2013 | 2015 |
| Country of Origin | Estonia / Georgia | United States |
| Director | Zaza Urushadze | Sean Baker |
| Genre | Anti-war drama | Comedy-drama |
| Key Distinguishing Aspect | Nominated for an Oscar; has a powerful anti-war message. | Shot entirely on three iPhone 5s smartphones. |
As you can see, the tangerines film you’re thinking of could be one of two movies. This article focuses on the 2013 anti-war film. The 2015 film is a completely different kind of movie.
About the 2015 Film ‘Tangerine’
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s talk a little about Tangerine (2015). This movie got a lot of attention for how it was made. It’s a great example of creative filmmaking.
Directed by Sean Baker, Tangerine tells a lively story. It follows a transgender sex worker named Sin-Dee Rella on Christmas Eve after she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. The movie follows her search for him across Hollywood.
The film is special for a few reasons:
- Unique Filming Style: Tangerine (2015) was shot completely on three iPhone 5s smartphones [4]. This new approach showed what was possible for low-budget movies.
- Real-Life Actors: The movie stars Mya Taylor and Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, who are both transgender actresses. Their powerful and honest acting adds a lot of depth to the story.
- Energetic Look: The movie was filmed on iPhones with special lenses, giving it a unique and high-energy look. This style is a perfect match for the fast-moving story.
- Great Reviews: The movie received high praise. Critics loved its realistic feel, strong acting, and creative style. It became a big hit in the independent film world.
Tangerine (2015) is a movie worth watching. It’s a bold, lively, and emotional film that proves you can make a great movie without a big budget. However, it’s completely different from the Georgian-Estonian film Tangerines (2013), which takes a deep look at how war affects people.
Where Can You Watch the Film Tangerines?
Streaming Availability
Want to watch the powerful movie Tangerines? Here’s how to find it. Streaming availability can change, but you can often find this anti-war film on several platforms.
You can often stream Tangerines (the 2013 Georgian-Estonian film) for free using services connected to your local library. These are great options for movie lovers:
- Hoopla: Many public libraries use Hoopla. You can stream films like Tangerines for free with your library card.
- Kanopy: Like Hoopla, Kanopy has a great collection of independent and international films. You can often access it with your library or university login.
Streaming rights change often. It’s always a good idea to do a quick search online to get the latest information.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you can’t stream it, or if you’d rather own a copy, Tangerines is easy to find for rent or purchase online. Owning the tangerines film means you can watch its powerful story anytime.
You can usually find Tangerines (2013) on major online stores. These platforms make it easy to enjoy the movie:
- Amazon Prime Video: Both rental and purchase options are usually available here.
- Apple TV (iTunes): A popular choice for buying or renting digital movies in high quality.
- Google Play Movies & TV / YouTube Movies: These platforms consistently offer a broad selection for rent or purchase.
- Vudu: Known for its large digital library, Vudu is another reliable source.
- Microsoft Store: If you use a Windows device, this is a direct way to rent or buy.
If you prefer physical copies, you can also look for Tangerines on DVD or Blu-ray. These often include special features, so you’ll always have a copy to watch. Check sites like Amazon or your local stores for availability. To see all the current rental and purchase options in one place, you can use a service like JustWatch [5].
Frequently Asked Questions about the Film Tangerines
Is Tangerine a good film?
Yes, Tangerines (also known as Mandariinid) is a great film. It received high praise from critics worldwide and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2015 [source: https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2015].
Many viewers praise its strong anti-war message. The film explores themes of humanity, empathy, and the pointlessness of war. The great acting from its small cast makes the story even better. With its unique setting and moving story, it’s a truly unforgettable movie.
Was the movie Tangerine shot on iPhone?
No, the 2013 film Tangerines was not shot on an iPhone. This is a common point of confusion that comes from another popular film with a similar name:
- Tangerines (2013): This Estonian-Georgian film, set during the 1992 Abkhazian War, was filmed using traditional movie cameras.
- Tangerine (2015): This American comedy-drama was famously shot entirely using three iPhone 5s smartphones.
So, if you’re thinking of the 2013 anti-war drama, the answer is no. That film used professional cameras to capture its beautiful look.
What is the movie Tangerines about?
Tangerines is a moving anti-war film set in a small Estonian village in Abkhazia during the 1992 war. The story is about an elderly farmer named Ivo.
Most villagers have fled the war, but Ivo and his neighbor, Margus, stay behind to harvest their tangerine crop. A fight breaks out nearby, and Ivo takes in two wounded soldiers from opposite sides:
- An Abkhazian Chechen mercenary, Ahmed.
- A Georgian soldier, Nika.
Stuck together in Ivo’s home, the two enemies must learn to live with each other. The film shows their journey as they look past the war and their personal beliefs. In the end, it sends a powerful message about peace and understanding.
What is the meaning of the movie Tangerine?
The main message of Tangerines is about how senseless and destructive war is. But it also highlights the lasting power of human connection. The film has several key messages:
- It’s an anti-war film: It clearly shows that war is pointless. The fighting only causes pain, no matter which side you are on.
- People have more in common than they think: The film shows that even with deep hatred and division, people can find common ground through shared experiences and understanding.
- Kindness is key: Ivo is a voice of reason and kindness. He treats both soldiers like people, not enemies. His actions challenge the deep-seated hatred between them.
- The tangerines are a symbol: The tangerines stand for life, hope, and a normal life. Margus wants to harvest them to hold on to peace. They represent the good things in life that war tries to destroy.
Overall, the movie shows that humanity can win against hatred. It suggests that even in the worst of times, people can find understanding and kindness. The film asks the audience to look past politics and see the person in everyone.
Sources
- https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/tangerines-2015
- https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2015
- https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/tangerines-film-review-751797/
- https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/sundance-shot-on-iphone-5s-sean-bakers-tangerine-is-a-wonder-145391/
- https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/tangerines
