Mdzevlebi

This movie is based on a true event that occurred in 1983 in Georgia when it was part of the USSR. A group of young people, highly dissatisfied with life under the Soviet state, decided to hijack a passenger jet and force it to take them out to the West.

First off, it is great to have a chance to see movies made it parts of the world with little cinema output. For this reason alone, Hostages is a worthwhile film, given its Georgian origins. The story itself is one not known to me at all but it is certainly an interesting set of events. It is a film which operates in shades of grey as opposed to black and white certainties. We do sympathise with the frustrations of the hijackers and their daily grind but it is difficult to condone their actions given that people were killed as a result of it; then again, the Soviet response to the incident was extremely heavy-handed, although they were trying to resolve the problem. The result is a more even-handed and thought-provoking film than might otherwise have been produced, although it would only be fair to say that it is definitely critical of the life that was imposed on people under the communist regime. The gloomy early 80's period detail is well done and the film is very well made. Perhaps the material could have been focused a little more sharply in places maybe but overall this is worth seeing for sure.

It is one of films coherent, maybe, only for the Eastern Europeans . Because the story is far to be a comfortable one , it seems only a sketch, the simpathy for young people looking for freedom becomes in conflict with the victims. For many reasons, a manifesto. About an age, so unique, against dictatorship, about fear and unpredictable reactions, about a wedding and a too fragil plan of escape. One of the virtues - the presence of Avtandil Maharadze in one of secondary roles.

It is a special film. Superficial, at the first sigh, maybe only a sketch but perfect for remind the realities unde Soviet regime. A special virtue Avtandil Makharadye as Shota . And the fine portraits of the characters. It is not easy to explain the roots and the desire and the needs of the young people looking for be in Occident. But the realism of acting gives many clues. Without explain < proposing only pieces for define, in fair and delicate manner, the enthusiasm and adrenaline , the mistakes as result of panic and fear and absence of experience, the sufferance of parents, the need to understand of a mother. Yes, it is inspired by a real case, one from many results of desperation behind Iron Courtain. But it has , in same measure, status of warning and hommage and manifesto. Its aspect of sketch is its main virtue because things like thant are only imagenated and feeled.

A good story, but not very well acted. Besides, why would they hijack a plane from Tbilisi to Batumi within the boundaries of the same country if the ultimate aim was to escape the country itself? Why didn't they take the bus or drive, which would solve things peacefully? The movie should have told the reason behind this.

Why is the title of the film in the original with a Russian word, when the film is released under a Georgian name.