Lost and Found in Armenia

This movie occurs for the most part in Armenia and in Armenian, so subtitles are a given. I have no idea how realistic Armenian village life is portrayed, or how serious the threats that exist in border areas, but it is at least as plausible as the nonsense that the big budget Hollywood movies routinely dish up.

All that aside, the movie engaged me from the very beginning, with characters who were not only driving the movie forward, but who had clear motivations for their actions. Although the plot line was simple enough, it was the characters that made the movie more than watchable. I will also add a special mention for the music, which was neither too little nor too much, and reinforced the point that in the movie, America is a distant land. It is not a criticism of the movie, but at its conclusion I was left with a feeling that there ought to be a novel on which the movie was based (or vice versa) which would go into more detail on the political and culture issues that were only hinted at.

Overall, nicely done, and, of course, Angela Sarafyan as Ani is perfectly lovely.

The movie starts well enough with the Turkish setting and over enthusiastic friends. Then the flick starts on shaky ground once it goes to Armenia.

There are too many plots and subplots to compete with Kennedy's attempt to get back to Turkey. The viewer needs a history lesson to actually understand the whats, and whys in the story plot line.

The whole movie begins as a silly charming adventure comedy then becomes a serious romantic story in conflict with local customs in marriage arrangement. It just becomes unfunny, silly and with a very sugary ending.

I when to watch this movie with high hopes but sadly it did not live up to my expectations nor personal standards. This movie is very boring and personally I would advise everyone not to watch it. I did not like this movie purely because of the amount of foreign language used in it, although using subtitles I thought this was its main downfall. It raced straight into the climax without us getting to know any of the characters background/personal information or history. It drags on a lot and gets very boring throughout although having some exciting scenes I still felt that it was boring and not at all interesting. It was so bad that I had to leave the cinema before the movie had fully ended, therefor I do not know what happened at the end although I probably could have predicted it anyways for their was no thrills or laughs during the film, there for I rate this movie a: 1/10.

Hope you have found this review helpful.

The accusations leveled against this film, claiming it incites hatred towards Turks or Azeris, strike me as utterly perplexing, even bewildering. It's as if these critics viewed an entirely different film, one stripped of its heart and soul. Did they, I wonder, truly witness the film's denouement, its deeply moving and ultimately conciliatory conclusion? To me, the film radiates a palpable sense of humanity, a warmth that permeates every frame. It's a celebration of the human spirit, a testament to the enduring power of kindness and compassion.

The film serves as a window into the soul of an ordinary Armenian village, a vibrant microcosm of Armenian life. It eschews simplistic stereotypes, instead offering a nuanced and authentic portrayal of its residents. We are invited into their homes, their workplaces, their social gatherings, and their moments of quiet contemplation. We witness their joys, their sorrows, their triumphs, and their tribulations. It's a richly textured tapestry of everyday life, rendered with empathy and respect.

And the humor! Oh, the humor! It's a masterclass in comedic timing and wit, a delightful blend of slapstick, satire, and observational comedy. It's the kind of humor that resonates on a visceral level, eliciting genuine belly laughs and leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. The comedic moments are not merely frivolous distractions; they are integral to the film's narrative, serving to illuminate the characters' personalities and relationships. I'd confidently award it a solid 10/10 for its sheer comedic brilliance.

The acting, without exaggeration, is nothing short of exceptional. Each member of the cast delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying their characters with remarkable depth and authenticity. They breathe life into their roles, transforming them from mere figures on a screen into fully realized human beings. Their performances are nuanced, subtle, and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, creating a sense of genuine camaraderie and connection. It's a testament to the director's skillful casting and the actors' dedication to their craft. They have truly elevated the film to a higher plane.

At first glance, the plot may appear straightforward, a simple tale of village life. However, upon closer inspection, one discovers a wealth of hidden layers and subtle nuances. The author has masterfully woven a complex tapestry of themes and ideas, exploring issues of identity, community, tradition, and change. The film invites the viewer to delve deeper, to look beyond the surface, and to uncover the profound meanings embedded within its narrative. It's a film that rewards repeated viewings, revealing new insights and interpretations with each subsequent encounter.

The film's exploration of Armenian identity is particularly compelling. It doesn't shy away from the complexities of history and culture, but rather embraces them with honesty and sensitivity. It portrays Armenian resilience, strength and spirit in the face of adversity. The depiction of the village is not romanticized or idealized, but rather presented in all its messy, beautiful reality. It's a celebration of Armenian culture, a tribute to the enduring spirit of its people.

The film's message of kindness and reconciliation is particularly relevant in today's world, a world often characterized by division and conflict. It reminds us of our shared humanity, of the importance of empathy and understanding. It's a call for dialogue, for bridge-building, for finding common ground. The film's ending, far from inciting hatred, offers a glimmer of hope, a vision of a future where peace and harmony prevail. It's a powerful and moving testament to the enduring power of human connection.

This film is a cinematic gem, a work of art that deserves to be celebrated. It's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, prompting you to reflect on its themes and messages. It's a film that reminds us of the power of cinema to illuminate the human condition, to inspire empathy, and to foster understanding. It is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated by audiences around the world."

I thought this movie was brilliant: it's hard to lightly/humorously cover culture clash/romance/history/conflict all in one entertaining film, but this one does it. It's light and funny, it cuts through the more 'complicated' scenes that talk about the conflict between Turkey/Azerbaijan and Armenia with truth & humor, and most importantly, it tells a lighthearted, funny story about being (literally) thrown into a foreign culture.

It was entertaining, funny, and beautifully shot. It completely transports the viewer to not only a different country, but also engages the viewer in the protagonist AND the antagonists at the same time. Brilliantly written.

At the end of the day, what more can we ask for from a film?