The Trader

The trader follows a trader in a small town in the Republic of Georgia, Selling objects for potatoes. This documentary was directed by Tamta Gabrichidze, this is his first film.

I didn't know what to expect when I turned this on. What i got was a small glimpse at poverty and the dreams that were crushed by the situation that these people are in. This documentary is only 23 minutes, so it doesn't exactly take time out someone's day, but it made me feel so lucky for what i have. the direction sutile but also beautiful. There are now overhead shot or narration. But there are beautiful stills and long takes, especially near the end.

If I was to nitpick though I found that somethings are lingered on a bit to much.

Otherwise watch this, It is defiantly worth 23 minutes of your life.

9/10

This short film, in an unpretentious way, reveals so very much about the lives of the people it portrays... both the life of the trader and the lives of the impoverished farmers/peasants who trade potatoes for the things they need and want. Lovely cinematography. Some of the lingering shots are just brilliant for the raw truth they reveal about the lifestyles and daily routines of the people. This is a flim one will watch more than once.

This is not a documentary made for a mass market. Pearl Jams songs says " I don't question our existence, I just question our modern needs." By Western standards of living, these people live in poverty and manual labor must be exhausting. While they don't have many choices, they seem to have everything they need. Are they happy? That is the main question, but the documentary is too short to answer it.

The images are as starkly beautiful as they are grim. The caucuses are one of the worlds most beautiful regions and have been economically devastated since the fall of the Soviet Union and political turmoil with its Russian neighbor. It isn't just poverty but the poverty and grim hopelessness following an economic collapse. This film evokes some of the same emotions for me as seeing a midwestern town following the closing of it's only big auto-manufacturing plant.

It's almost 30 minutes long, yet it doesn't feel rushed in what it's trying to say. There's no voice-over narration, just an occasional piano piece and dialogue between the vender and the villagers and a few interviews from both sides. It's sad to see them living in utter poverty, where potatoes are not just currency, but everything. Many have few prospects.

One man, when interviewed, claimed he wanted an education. Sadly, that was unattainable. Later, he can be heard saying if he could he'd drive away from this village.

The kids that run around the village are adorable. It's nice to see them have fun. You can't help but smile at their innocence. As for the man, he still manages to smile-despite his rough life.

Given Georgia's history, it has come a long way and it still has ways to go. As many other countries do.

Just watching this really puts into perspective how much worse things are for some people and how they could be for you. It really makes you appreciate the things you have more, both little and big.

I'd definitely check this out. It's short, yet poignant and direct.