2022 ‘Ամերիկական’ Directed by Michael A. Goorjian
In 1948, decades after fleeing Armenia to the US as a child, Charlie returns in the hopes of finding a connection to his roots, but what he finds instead is a country crushed under Soviet rule. After being unjustly imprisoned, Charlie falls into despair, until he discovers that he can see into a nearby apartment from his cell window - the home of a prison guard.
The American, 美籍亚美尼亚人
Germany
Hamburg Film Festival
USA
RiverRun International Film Festival
USA
Armenia
Armenia
Germany
USA
No matter what happens in life, you must always keep your beautiful smile.
I projected this as part of the 25th Annual RiverRun Film Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.
Impressive and powerful storytelling told through an unexpectedly funny tone, but ultimately touching. The score is absolutely wonderful- blending traditional Western instrumentation and Armenian styles, mirroring Charlie’s experience being between the two cultures. The first twenty minutes are hilarious— and then the drama sets in, but it’s never overly dour, instead, gripping and personal. The moments of human connection Amerikatsi inspires had me genuinely sobbing in the projection booth— lots of smiles among the pain of unjust imprisonment and treatment. Do catch this one when it comes to a local film festival.
Finally, a contemporary Armenian film that feels DIFFERENT than the rest - technically (gorgeous framing throughout) and in terms of casting/direction…the actors were really memorable and grew on me. Moments of Soviet style slapstick humor were a nice surprise in this modern Armenian film. Very moving story that, in a nuanced way, touches on different areas of Armenian identity and ways historical events have shaped us. Some moments were too on the nose or lost me (re: development of the guard/neighbor’s love story), but overall well done. This movie is going to spark a change in how upcoming Armenian films are written and made…
armenian folk music is crazy what are they cooking. moving from Poughkeepsie to the Soviet Union is crazy but i see the vision. can someone drop the link to the soundtrack
I have so many thoughts about this movie. need to think more. great soundtrack
In a moment where my culture is being systematically erased and it feels like the world is entirely indifferent to our annihilation, it was really cathartic to watch something that expresses the beauty of our people and why we deserve to exist.
There will be a “life is beautiful” comparison to “Amerikatsi” but imo it is a singular experience. Glad this film did not get too over sentimental or syrupy. Just a well written and acted feature. Hope this film gets its share of attention and doesnt get buried. Comedic elements are also seamlessly interwoven within the serious and traumatic subject matter. For movie reviews and news check out my website Find Your Film and the weekly movie review podcast CinemAddicts.
you wanted to meet real armenians—this is how we are
*arguing*
funny and heart wrenching. it was like the entire theatre was in on some twisted joke.
A shallow but overlong "return to roots" story that glosses over anything too troubling about Armenian genocide or soviet oppression in favor of some feel-good messaging about brotherhood and resiliency.
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Coming from an Armenian, the impact it had on not only me but also my father that grew up in the Soviet Union, was incredible. From the acting to the score, the writing, and the message, this film perfectly portrays the Armenian spirit to never fall down and always keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances. Like Charlie, we must never wipe the smile off our faces. And like the director and main actor, Micheal Goorjian said at the premiere, ”We have such a rich culture, and more amazingly rich people, that needs to be known. And art is a way to do that.”
❤️🇦🇲
Absolutely stunning. Old-school classical moviemaking that combines comedy and pathos in a way that recalls Wilder, Fellini or Tati or, yes, Chaplin. Like Everything Is Illuminated, another five star movie, it's a love letter to one's ancestors.
When actors become directors, they bring something special to the table.
This begins as a Hope-Crosby kind of road movie and then turns into “Life is Beautiful.” Make of that combination what you will.
the perseverance of The Armenian is an endlessly fascinating subject to me (duh) and the perseverance of The Armenian Artist even more so (duh!)
what i appreciate most about goorjian’s film is that he refuses to speak a monolithic cinematic language
chaplin, keaton, david lean, eisenstein, vertov, parajanov, mamoulian (and co.) are all in the room with us
and that’s really the perseverance of The Armenian Artist - to recognize the sounds of the oppressor (some of whom take shape in armenian forms), the ancestor, the land, and just keep it moving
