Eliso aka Caucasian Love

Eliso aka Caucasian Love

1928. USSR. Directed by Nikoloz Shengelaia. With Alexandre Imedashvili, Kokta Karalashvili, Kira Andronikashvili. Shengelaia, one of the great early figures in Georgian cinema, was the head of an enormously influential clan of film professionals, including the most popular actresses of their time, the sisters Kira Andronikashvili and Nato Vachnadze, the latter of whom was the director's wife and mother of Eldar and Giorgi Shengelaia, who became prominent directors themselves. This historical epic evokes the tragic fate of a nation pacified in 1864 by the Tsarist Russian Empire. When authorities begin to appropriate fertile land, the peasants are forced to evacuate under terrible conditions. The narrative concerns the beautiful Eliso in the village of Verdi, whose tragic love for Vazho is encumbered by their different class and religion. Yet, the most overwhelming aspect of this cherished classic is its depiction of the majestic landscape and deep-rooted traditions of the Georgian people. Silent; English intertitles. 80 min.