Cinema
The Tango of Our Childhood
Մեր մանկության տանգոն
Albert Mkrtchyan · 1984
Synopsis
In Leninakan, in the first years after the war, Siranush, a woman of exceptional character, raises their three children alone since her husband Ruben, back from the front, left her for her best friend. She does not give up on bringing him back, and the whole household lives to the rhythm of her attempts, by turns comic and sad, while the children watch the adults' disorder grow.
Context
Albert Mkrtchyan wrote the screenplay from his childhood memories and those of his brother Frunzik, who plays the husband opposite Galia Novents, and dedicated the film to his native town. Rudolf Vatinian operated the camera and Tigran Mansourian wrote the music. The shoot showed off the town's old houses, which have been classified since 1980 as the Kumayri historic reserve. The New York Times compared Galia Novents to an Anna Magnani playing at full voice.
Who it is for
About an hour and a half, in Armenian, subtitled. The tone shifts constantly from laughter to sorrow.
Prizes and reception
Special mention for acting for Galia Novents at Venice in 1985; grand prize and best actress award at the Russian film festival.