Otar Iosseliani-Giorgobistve ('Falling Leaves') (1966)

Iosseliani’s contemporary fables of modern life and traditional values have been compared to the classic comedies of French master Jacques Tati. Shrewdly whimsical and filmed with a poetic casualness, Iosseliani’s universe is one of joyous pessimism. (-DVD back cover)




A young idealist takes a job at a local state run winery only to discover and become disillusioned by the corruption of the Soviet State. (http://imdb.com/title/tt0171343/)




It starts with a long opening sequence resembling nothing more than a pre-war black and white documentary on traditional wine-growing in Georgia. The screening I attended was introduced by the director who advised us not to read the subtitles and, to a great extent, the film can be followed just by watching it. If it has a central character it is Nico, a teenager who gets a job in a wine-collective (if that's the correct term) and subsequently decides that one of the new barrels is undrinkable and ensures it will not be bottled by adding gelatin to the barrel. (http://imdb.com/title/tt0171343/usercomments)





A documentary prologue – where Iosseliani is glimpsed enjoying a wine-harvest celebration – reveals his sympathies and interests when two young men – one an idealist, the other an ambitious opportunist – start work at a winery and, thanks to different attitudes to wine, women and socialising, go their separate ways. A lovely cautionary tale. (Time Out London Issue 1790: December 8-15 2004)




This film is rich with ideas and emotions, and it provides a unique perspective on Georgian culture while retaining a universal appeal. (amazon.com)