Amerikatsi

Beautifully acted, sensitive and touching, this movie uses humor and pain to tell a a unique story of an Armenian Genocide survivor. Michael Goorjian is tremendously talented as star, writer, director. His tearful eyes are the heart of this movie. His acting is tremendous, worthy of an Oscar nomination. I hope he becomes a household name in Hollywood. He deserves it! Everyone should be able to appreciate this wonderful story, but as an Armenian, I am so proud of this beautiful film! Loved all the many references showing Mt. Ararat as the symbol of the strength and beauty of the Armenian people.

This film is easily one of my favourites this year. The casting is spot on and the film showcases its story in a way that doesn't make you feel like you're watching it, more like you're breathing it. Particularly being an individual who grew up in a post Soviet state the nostalgia and the experience feels like it was my own. I was excited to see this movie when it was originally announced and it did not disappoint by any means. The exploration of trauma and freedom is one of my favourite aspects of this film and I imagine that anyone watching this film can connect deeply with those feelings. Can't wait to watch it again soon.

Amerikatsi is about a man named Charlie who was born in Armenia only to flee the country during the Genocide. After World War II, the leader of USSR Joseph Stalin, offered money to all Armenians living in the diaspora who want to return to Armenia to have a new better life. Charlie who is played by Michael Goorjian returns to the motherland only to be wrongfully imprisoned by the Soviet enforced Armenian prison. During his time he learned more about his culture while he watched a couple from his prison window. He lived vigorously thru the couple, eating, drinking, and cleaning while they do their chores. Much like Roberto Begnini in Life is Beautiful the storyline, direction, and cinematic background were beautifully filmed in Armenia. This movie definitely deserves an Oscar for best Foreign Film let alone Best Picture. Amerikatsi means American Armenian and I hope this film receives the same respect as Begnini's movie. I know most of you won't bother but trust me when I tell you it's a great movie. Michael created, produced, directed and acted while Serj Tankian helped produce it. Definitely add this to your list.

I found this movie to be very touching, factually accurate, and so well acted. The movie recounts the historically correct campaign by Stalin (who controlled Armenia in the late 40's) when he was enticing Armenians from other countries to leave their countries and move to Armenia. He appealed to their desire to start a better life in their new "homeland".. Needless to say, life in Armenia was very difficult and not what was advertised. Without giving away the plot, the movie is structured through the eyes of an Armenian from America. Great verbal and non verbal acting from the main characters, splashes of humor, flashes of humanity, some plot twists, and very timely. Go see this movie. You will not regret it.

A must see for those who like art and cherish movies about power of human relationship and connections.p Slow start but quickly I wanted to see more ! A beautiful and touching story showing the strength of human connection through art, even when two human beings are placed in opposing roles , (prisoner and prison guard) they still connect above the atrocities. Amazing cast with Michael Gourjian, Hovik Keuchkerian, Nelli Uvarova and Narine Grigoryan. Dramatic, comic and sometime historic. During the same movie you will laugh , feel sad and happy. Love independent movie theaters because they give a chance to the real artists ! Great movie to watch to scape the quotidien routine.