Amerikatsi

I just finished watching Amerikatsi & felt compelled to immediately write a review. This is the best film I've seen all year. Michael Goorjian's performance was Oscar-worthy. Truly spectacular! The storyline was so touching - we all got emotional. Armenians have collectively been in mourning since the 2020 Karabagh war but this film gives us a healthy distraction from the trauma & reminds us that even though we've gone through endless hardships, we always persevere & never lose hope. This is a movie for everyone, not just Armenians. It's a movie that all your family & friends can enjoy, regardless of skin color or religious background. Amerikatsi will leave a mark on your heart.

I just finished watching this movie with my husband and I have no words. Truly magnificent! I felt so many emotions. It was so beautifully done that the same scene that made me sad turned into humor and laughter the next minute. And the way the main character looked out the window from his prison cell and learned about his culture was so cleverly done. Amazing acting, beautiful costumes, clever lines. I highly recommend this movie and already told so many of my friends to watch this. My parents would definitely enjoy this movie as well considering they grew up in the Soviet Union up to the point it collapsed.

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.

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.

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.