When Almonds Blossomed

It is spring. The teenage group of Zura, Khatuna, Leqso, and Eka drives to the sea in a "borrowed" car after class or enjoys the buzz of Tbilisi’s boulevards. Zura, the son of a successful and domineering father, is a talented cyclist and the focal point of the group. But beneath the youthful carefree spirit and sense of new beginnings, tension simmers: Zura, while charming, is irresponsible and frequently bailed out of trouble by his father—until a terrible accident occurs, and Khatuna holds him accountable.

This Cinemascope film features impressive cycling sequences and reflects Gogoberidze’s fascination with sports, explored even more extensively than in her debut film. Giya Kancheli's energetic and impatient score adds to the film’s momentum. "Thus, the youth film of the 1960s transforms into the 'cinema of moral anxiety' of the next decade," comments Evgeny Margolit on this wonderfully nuanced film. (Gaby Babić/Barbara Wurm)

Photo: Arsenal Berlin