The Wishing Tree

The Wishing Tree, a 1976 Georgian movie directed by Tengiz Abuladze, boasts a stunning cast including Lika Kavzharadze, Soso Jachvliani, and Zaza Kolelishvili. It narrates an enchanting tapestry of human emotion, entwined around elements of ancient Georgian folklore and mysticism.

This film, also known as Natvris Khe or The Tree of Desire, distinctively captures and amalgamates the raw emotionality and mysterious rituals of rural Georgian life. The directorial brilliance of Abuladze, combined with the stellar performance of the lead actors, presents a rich, metaphoric screenplay set in a quaint Georgian village during the pre-Soviet era. While it offers a deep-dive into the traditional Georgian culture and manners, it also carries a universal, timeless appeal due to its exploration of human ethics, love, and the eternal conflict between good and evil.

The narrative masterfully intertwines various folk tales and vignettes. Some focus on the undying enmity between two families, the relentless driving force of vengeance, and the odyssey of the protagonist - an innocent, peasant girl named Marita, played by Lika Kavzharadze. Each interwoven story imparts life lessons and philosophies against the backdrop of omnipresent nature, tinged with mysticism.

The role of the titular ‘Wishing Tree’ is significant in this sublimely visual storytelling process, acting as the symbolic fulcrum around which the villagers' hopes, aspirations, desires, and dreams revolve. Folk belief holds that when a person pours out their innermost desires to the tree, their wishes are granted. It is eloquently portrayed as an ethereal entity with the power to bind the community amidst their shared desires, secrets, and fears; it becomes a silent observer and holder of the community’s collective consciousness.

Lika Kavzharadze's depiction of Marita is enthused with simplicity, tranquility, and purity, symbolizing the resilience inherent in women. Her journey and portrayal, as she navigates a world governed by male authority and social order, provide a profound exploration of the multifaceted nature of strength and defiance. Marita's character, in its tranquility and defiance, becomes a reflection of the enduring spirit of the Wishing Tree itself.

Equally impressive is Soso Jachvliani as Iago, who adds depth and complexity to the folklore narrative with his convincing portrayal of a young dashing horseman besotted by Marita. With volatile emotions and a stoic demeanor, he manages to encapsulate a lesser-seen duality within the male psyche.

Zaza Kolelishvili, with his portrayal as Batoni, represents the oppressive feudal patriarchal system pervading the Georgian society of the time. His character is symbolic of the inept and harsh ruling authority that imposes and perpetuates the social order, serving as a critique of such systems.

The film triumphs artistically not just in its layered narrative and robust character performances, but in its surrealistic and poetic approach to cinematography as well. The lush landscapes of rural Georgia - its verdant fields, majestic mountains, and flowing rivers - are captured with a unique blend of realism and mysticism. The vivid color palette and brilliant camerawork amplify the enigmatic allure of the landscape. The film's gorgeous aesthetics inspire an atmospheric experience that stays with the viewer long after the film's finale.

Abuladze's direction and storytelling, while Jewish and steeped in cultural specificity, are accessible and universally resonant in their exploration of human desires, hopes, and fears—the underlying ethos of this film revolves around the question of what it means to be human in a world of turmoil.

The Wishing Tree, in essence, is a compelling amalgamation of stellar performances, breathtaking visuals, and a deeply introspective narrative. It offers a rich, visually and emotionally stimulating cinematic experience that penetrates the surface of Georgian folklore to reveal profound, universal human truths. Drawing from age-old fables, it subtly poses poignant questions about our shared humanity and the intrinsic essence of desire, making it a must-watch for anyone seeking a remarkable and thought-provoking cinematic experience.