Amerikatsi

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.

This touching emotive picture proves that we still have not used up topics and themes focused on the life in the communist era based on real events, because Amerikatsi comes with a pleasant and quite fresh new take on this genre. Instead of showing the events of this film in a serious dramatic way, Amerikatsi managed to take a much lighter route, which still feels deep and profound, but offers more subtle and gentle way to show the hardship of the communist regime in Europe. Even though the story takes place in Armenia the plot could seem somehow familiar to many who were born in Eastern Europe and their nation used to belong to the Soviet Union, so in that sense it is quite a relatable picture that the viewers could connect with. I also loved how Amerikatsi did not try to be a big succesful Holywood movie and opted for much more intimate approach instead. Overall I was very pleased with this picture and in the end actually a bit moved.

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.

Poignant film, especially now with the usual geopolitical issues going on in Armenia. A quiet, charming movie. It's been a while since I've seen something like this. No super heros in sight! There's an underlying sense of longing and the observations from his window are very telling. Interesting way of storytelling and filmmaking. I think a lot of Armenians in the diaspora can relate but the film speaks to people who have curiosity of places they've never been, which seems completely counterintuitive but I think a lot of viewers can identify with the themes in this movie. While it's not available at the average neighborhood cineplex, it's worth seeking out.

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.