Watch The Legend of Suram Fortress

The Legend of Suram Fortress is a Georgian film directed by Sergei Parajanov and Dodo Abashidze in 1985. The movie tells the story of a medieval Georgian village and the people who lived there. The village is surrounded by a mystic forest and has an impressive fortress on a hill that overlooks the community. The fortress was built by the villagers to protect themselves from a foreign enemy, but the fortress was incomplete as they struggled to find the perfect location. They consulted a wise man who prophesied that they could only construct the fortress with the sacrifice of a young man who would willingly offer himself to the walls of the fortress. The villagers waited for a young man to volunteer.

Years passed, and no one came forward until one day two young men appeared in the village. One of them was called Zurab, and the other one was called Gela. Zurab fell in love with a beautiful girl called Khatuna, but her father rejected their love, and Khatuna was arranged to marry someone else. Zurab, disheartened, decided to volunteer himself to become a living sacrifice and complete the fortress.

Khatuna was devastated, and she decided to go to the fortress and plead with the gods to save Zurab. When she reached the fortress, the walls shook, and the people believed that the sacrifice was accepted. However, Zurab did not die, and soon after, the fortress began to crumble. The villagers realized that the prophecy was only half true, and that the sacrifice indeed had to volunteer, but he also had to be rejected before he could complete the construction.

The rest of the film explores the different characters' relationships and their search for the perfect location for the fortress. The story is narrated through beautiful visuals and vivid, colourful imagery. The film is a visual masterpiece, with many scenes that are reminiscent of traditional Georgian art, textiles, and architecture.

The cinematography is exceptional with creative camera angles, slow-motion shots, and colourful, stark contrasts. The film has a poetic feel, with surrealist and dreamlike elements, and abstract symbolism. There is a strong emphasis on the natural world, with beautiful landscapes, wildlife, and weather patterns that add to the film's mystical atmosphere.

The acting is excellent, and the actors bring many memorable and complex characters to life. Veriko Anjaparidze plays the role of the wise woman, Medea, who is central to the plot. She is a fearsome and powerful presence who advises the villagers and has a supernatural connection to the natural world. Tamari Tsitsishvili plays Khatuna, who is beautiful, headstrong, and determined to save her lover. She is a compelling and passionate character who defies societal norms and pushes against the forces that threaten her happiness.

Dudukhana Tserodze plays the role of Zurab, the young man who sacrifices himself for the fortress. He is a tragic and romantic hero who embodies ideals of bravery, sacrifice, and love. His character is a metaphor for the Georgian people and their struggles with war, oppression, and national identity.

The Legend of Suram Fortress is a unique and visually stunning film that blends myth, history, and art. It is a masterpiece of Georgian cinema that showcases the country's rich culture and folklore. The film is a tribute to the resilience of the Georgian people and their enduring spirit. It is a must-watch for lovers of art-house cinema, folklore, and history.