What Do We See When We Look at the Sky?

What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? is an enchanting Georgian romance film packed with magical realism, directed by Alexandre Koberidze.

The picturesque city of Kutaisi, Georgia forms the beckoning backdrop to a surreal and captivating romance that unfolds throughout the film. The vibrant colors, poetic frames, and enchanting cityscapes create a windswept panorama that is as intriguing as the story unfolding at its centre.

The film captures the life-altering love story of Lisa and Giorgi, set against the seductive backdrop of a sun-drenched Georgian town. However, the classic boy-meets-girl tale soon takes an unexpected turn when they fall under a malicious spell, waking up the next morning with their appearances completely altered.

But the essence of this fantastical spell goes beyond the superficial layer of altered physical appearance. With the change of their external appearance, Lisa, a pharmacist, and Giorgi, a footballer, lose the foundation of their previous lives. They are even forced to question their own identities and navigate life anew. Despite a sudden shift in their realities, the film gracefully explores how love manages to endure.

The unusual predicaments that the protagonists find themselves wrapped in, the people they meet and the experiences they share, prompt introspection about the workings of love and destiny. The director manages to weave an intricate tale that pushes viewers to question concepts of appearance and identity. The movie's narrative is tinged with a magical hue that resonates deeply through its fairytale-like story.

What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? masterfully balances symbolism and reality, delivering an imaginative twist on conventional storytelling. With a minimalistic score and stunning visuals that eschew excess in favor of perfectly framed shots, the film shows a stunning affection and respect for the medium of film. Every frame is carefully constructed, forming a beautiful tableau that complements the ethereal quality of the story. The film's immersive cinematography frames the magic-infused everyday life in Kutaisi with a mesmerizing power.

A standout in this film is the innovative use of narration. The movie's narrator serves as a guide, navigating the viewers through the labyrinthine storyline and offering atmospheric anecdotes about the city and its denizens. The narrative voice blends seamlessly into the movie, heightening emotions, and adding an extra layer of complexity and charm to the plot.

The film uses the premise of a love story to explore larger, universal themes such as the nature of identity, re-invention and the inescapability of fate. The blend of realism and fantasy holds a mirror to society, provoking thoughts about the facades that individuals wear and the complex realities behind them. The clever blend of fantasy and realism in the plot culminates in a beautiful journey of love, exploration, and self-discovery.

In terms of performance, the film boasts of a talented ensemble cast. Each character is distinct, and their individual stories add depth to the narrative. Every actor breathes life into their characters, successfully evoking the desired emotions and making the story more engaging.

The film's closing act, a highly anticipated football match, presents a metaphorical tableau that encapsulates the distinct storytelling style of the movie. The game in the end gives the audience a deeper understanding of the film's introspective essence, making it an experience to remember.

All in all, What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? is a visual extravaganza and a thought-provoking romantic film that stands out from the crowd. From its central love story to its charming setting, the film is a fresh breeze of creative concepts, aesthetically pleasing cinematography, and captivating storytelling.

Always maintaining an alluring balance between magic and mundane, dream and reality, this film results in a beautifully shot, narrative-rich piece of cinema that is sure to leave viewers dwelling on its themes and imagery long after the credits roll. There’s a unique allure in its slow-burning narrative, its rhythm and pace drawing the viewer into the lives of its protagonists, making it one of the more remarkable entries in contemporary cinema.

While this film pushes the boundaries of traditional filmmaking, it still gives us a heartwarming romance with an old-world charm. What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? is an ode to the magic of love, the power of belief, and the charm of storytelling.