The Writer's Life 12/25 - Tangerines

I've viewed my first film from Georgia/Estonia, courtesy of Netflix. Tangerines (2013) takes place in a region of Georgia undergoing civil war. Two men have stayed behind to pick the crop and get it to market. The peaceful pair get caught between the factions. The insanity of the human condition at its worst is on display, and it has nothing to do with color. Everyone is white. It makes the viewer ask himself/herself what is it about certain individuals that propels them to such madness. Of course, all the actors are unfamiliar to western audiences, so their authenticity in their roles rings true. The theme has often been tackled, but rarely from such an unbiased perspective. All the combatants are guilty of ignorance and bigotry, in direct contrast to the farmers, especially the elderly one whose quiet dignity and humanity are the centerpiece of the narrative. The film was nominated for a Best Foreign Film Oscar. 16,000+ users at IMDb have rated it, forging to a consensus of 8.4 of ten. I agree. I was pissed when the DVD began, as the subtitles were microscopic. I had to sit within five feet of my TV. It was worth it. Kudos to writer/director Zasa Urushadze, whom I hope will receive financing to create more works of this caliber. This is not an action film. It is a portrait of an unfortunate aspect of the human condition. Although ravaged, decency triumphs in the end. The last three films I've watched have been foreign. I still wouldn't call myself a cine-file.

There were some interesting stats in a short article in today's NY Post. A survey reveals that the percentage of Americans who declare no religious affiliation has risen to 19.6. It was 14.6% in 2008. The number of Christians has declined to 75.2%, down from 80.1% in '08. The percentages among people over 50 have held steady. The change is reflected in folks under that mark. I'm not surprised and I think the trend will continue. It's not necessarily a negative, as most people will retain a firm sense of right and wrong.

Here's a shout out to my alma mater, Western Michigan U., which won its first bowl game yesterday. The Broncos defeated Middle Tennessee, 45-31, in the Bahamas Bowl, finishing the season 8-5. WMU had lost its previous six appearances.

I'm still digesting the seven fishes, and I'm about to leave for my sister's, where meat is the main staple of today's menu. I bet I find room for post-meal pastries.

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