Aram, Aram

Aram, Aram is a captivating coming-of-age drama that arrived in theaters in 2015. The film addresses highly emotional issues of identity and assimilation with its unique narrative focusing on the Armenian-American community in Los Angeles. The movie primarily features the talented John Roohinian in the role of Aram and also stars Levon Sharafyan and Sevak Hakoyan in pivotal roles. This significant work marks Christopher Chambers' directorial debut in feature-length cinema, portraying the traumas and prejudices encountered by the immigrants settling in the United States, with the Armenian diaspora at its core.

Narrating the experience of an orphaned 12-year-old Armenian boy, Aram (John Roohinian) transported from his harmonious existence in Armenia to the bustling and often hostile environment of Los Angeles, the movie brings forth the juxtaposition between two vastly contrasting worlds. The film invitingly opens the door to the viewer to explore the complexities and nuances of immigration, ethical dilemmas, and the struggle for survival in an unfamiliar and highly challenging landscape.

As a heartrending tale of familial loss and dislocation, the narrative of Aram, Aram begins as a young Aram is reluctantly sent to live with his grandfather (Levon Sharafyan). His grandfather, a native Armenian, attempts to keep Aram grounded to his roots amidst the melting pot of American culture. He implores Aram to embrace a simple and honest life, far removed from the hostile elements that often find their way within newly-acclimated immigrants.

However, the inevitable course of assimilation throws Aram into a challenging path as he tentatively befriends a reckless Armenian gangster named Hakop (Sevak Hakoyan) who lives in his rough neighborhood. Hakop, older and more entangled in the gritty dealings of the LA streets, offers a starkly different perspective and influence on Aram. This encounter brings about a transitional shift in Aram's life, abruptly thrusting him from his realm of innocence to a world of street hustlers, thieves, and violence.

The cinematography beautifully captures the atmospheric essence of this bittersweet journey, amplifying the emotional impact of the narrative. The vibrant city of Los Angeles serves as a poignant backdrop to the entire narrative, articulating the bittersweet symphony of immigration's hopes and dreams, alongside its complexities and challenges.

The acting performances in Aram, Aram are overall exemplary. John Roohinian, in his feature debut, delivers an impactful performance, masterfully portraying the inner struggles, bewildering discovery, and loss of innocence faced by his character. Sharafyan delivers a heart-wrenching performance as Aram's elderly, tough-love grandfather, desperately struggling to keep Aram from veering down the wrong path. Sevak Hakoyan, in his portrayal of Hakop, strikingly embodies the complexities of his character—a product of his harsh environment yet offering an unexpected brotherly bond to Aram.

Characterized by its gritty realism and emotional authenticity, Aram, Aram traverses the slippery trajectory of a young boy's immersion into a hotbed of cultural clashes, injurious decisions, and familial disconnect. It is a poignant exploration of Aram’s internal tug of war between the traditional beliefs of his grandfather and the raw, survivalist instincts imbued by Hakop's influence.

A compelling facet of Aram, Aram is its deft portrayal of the Armenian diaspora, adding a unique cultural facet to the narrative. The movie offers a window into the richly textured Armenian culture, painting a grim but realistic picture of the experience of its immigrant community in Los Angeles. It is not merely a story of a young boy's tumultuous journey but also an unflinching reflection on the struggles of a community to belong while maintaining their cultural identity in a foreign land.

Overall, Aram, Aram is a compelling cinematic gem that leaves a profound imprint on the audience’s heart, challenging them to contemplate the struggles faced by immigrants and how the need to survive can sometimes compromise one's innocence and integrity. The film's raw and authentic portrayal of Armenian immigrants’ life in the United States makes it a must-watch for lovers of poignant, thought-provoking cinema.