13 Tzameti (2005)

How can one define a troublesome film like 13 Tzameti ? Can it be called an existential revelation of our modern times or is it simply a quick paced high intensity thriller ? Whatever one says,it is sure that 13 Tzameti is a rare film which makes sure that fiction comes close to reality.There is a reason for that as its director Gela Babluani learned the art of cinema from his father Temur Babluani whose film "The son of the wakeful" bagged silver bear prize for an outstanding artistic contribution at the 1993 Berlin International Film Festival.Both of them come from Georgia,a land which has given birth to such prolific film directors as Tengiz Abuladze,Temur Babluani,Goderdzi Chokheli,Georgi Daneliya,Nana Djordjadze,Lana Gogoberidze,Otar Iosseliani,Mikhail Kalatozov and Marlen Khutsiev.13 Tzameti is not for the weak hearted people as there is an excessive usage of guns in it.It is normal for us to associate guns for mutual destruction but this film shows us that they are also used to conduct wild games which can prove out to be fatal.There is a degree of authenticity as the events depicted might be taking place in an undisclosed location of an unknown country.13 Tzameti succeeds on a social level too as its success has ensured that the stigma attached to number 13 needs to be erased from people's minds.

Fmovies: The idea is simple and easy to follow without many ploys or elaborate schemes.

The quality of the film comes from the build up of tension throughout, the camera work involves a lot of close ups on peoples faces and this gives us a real view of their fear and desperation.

Babluani does a great job in the lead as an ordinary man who is out of his depth and has no alternative except to play along.

There are a few twists in the tale to keeping you guessing and the ending is good with the atmosphere remaining taut right to the end.

No clichés or other silliness just good directing and acting.

I'm so grateful for having seen this movie on the silver screen. It's an amazingly dark film, in the style of Man Bites Dog, and it also has some elements of Eli Roth's Hostel. If you like movies with that dark atmosphere, don't miss this one! A young man who is hired to fix up an old house, finds a mysterious letter that has instructions. When he decides to follow them, more letters and instructions follow, and eventually he ends up in a house in the middle of the woods where he and others have to face a difficult task, in order to please the rich. If (the word IF is very important) he survives, he gets a lot of money. I'd love to tell you more about it, but it would ruin the surprise.

At the end, when you're watching the credits, I think you'll feel more satisfied than watching any American movie. This one has an ending, it can't have a sequel. The ending is quite ironical, it's been a while since a movie really surprised me with that. It's amazing what kinds of risks non-American movie makers take, what they put their characters through.

The cinematography was also surprising, it's a black and white movie, very stylish, film-noir like. Artsy, but not at all MTV-like. Once you get into the story, you'll begin to love the black and white, it's been such a good decision, and it adds to the atmosphere.

I had never seen a Georgian movie before so i was very excited and all my wishes came true. It was way better than i expected and when it's out on DVD, I'll rent it again, or buy it, that's for sure.

One last thing, if Géla Babluani's writing and directing a movie again, i hope it will be as awesome, dark and surprising again! He could be the Georgian Tarantino. 10/10

13 Tzameti fmovies. This is a brilliant movie. It's not a bloated Hollywood concoction, derived of any original idea or emotion. It tells its story and ends, does not linger endlessly and unnecessarily. It revolves around a single bright idea, which it carries and improves through its length. The fact that it's shot in B/W only adds to the effect, making it more gritty and realistic. It also enhances the expressions of characters, making them more artistic.

The casting is perfect as well, in my opinion. At times, I got the feeling that I'm watching real people and not actors. Great soundtrack which doesn't convolute every scene as silence plays a big role in the movie, building the tension.

This movie just reminds what cinema is really about; why films move people and make them feel things. It's an absolute treat.

Lastly, this movie has the single best sequence I saw in a movie for a long time. It's raw,gripping and nerve racking. Also, pay attention to sounds and looks, which at times tells a whole sentence. Do not watch any trailers or read any detailed reviews on this film to feel the full effect.

This remarkable first movie by a young France filmmaker really impressed me and without any doubt it had been one of the most beautiful screening in the Festival of Venice.

It's a black and white sadistic journey through the misery of men. The protagonist, an immigrant twenty year old guy, struggles to survive and works fixing a roof, when the owner of the house he's working at dies of overdose he gets to know that he's not going to be paid and decides to replace the man in a mysterious job outside town. He finds himself involved in a whirl of violence that will take away from him any form of innocence.

I strongly recommend it

A very impressive debut film by a young french filmmaker. What starts out initially as a seemingly simple tale soon turns into a twisted thriller. The amount of tension this film builds is incredible. You'll be hooked. The black and white filming fits perfectly. I gives the film a different edge that I don't think would have been the same had it been filmed in color.

On a side note, I thought the lead actor, besides having an uncanny resemblance to James Franco, did a solid job. His emotions came across as very believable, and not forced.

This film is highly recommended. Be sure to avoid spoilers.