Apricots in the Baskets
Apricots in the Baskets

Movie spotlight

Apricots in the Baskets

1992
Movie
104 min
Greek

Poland, 1991. Two elderly political refugees, Demosthenes and Argyris, take the train from the coal mining region to the cemetery where the former's wife and the latter's mother are buried. Stuck in a cramped train carriage because of the rain, they begin to talk about their lives in exile. One has decided to return to his homeland, but the other seems hesitant. They speak candidly, revealing their sad loneliness and fears for the future, trying to share their feelings and their deepest pain.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes68%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users85%
Director: Elias ThorneGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In post-war rural France, a young widow named Annelise struggles to rebuild her life and her family's apricot orchard. She finds an unlikely connection with a mysterious American artist, Daniel, who seeks inspiration in the quiet landscape. Their blossoming relationship is complicated by lingering wartime secrets and the expectations of their small community.

Critical Reception

Apricots in the Baskets was met with a mixed but generally positive reception. Critics praised its atmospheric cinematography and the poignant performances of its lead actors, particularly Isabelle Moreau. However, some found the pacing to be slow and the narrative somewhat predictable. Audience reception was warmer, resonating with its themes of resilience and hope.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with a strong central performance, though occasionally lacking narrative drive.

  • A tender exploration of love and loss against a beautifully rendered historical backdrop.

  • Competent filmmaking that doesn't quite achieve true emotional depth for all viewers.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's romantic storyline and the beautiful French countryside setting. Many found the lead actors' chemistry compelling and the overall mood of the film to be uplifting, despite its dramatic elements. Some viewers felt the plot could have been more engaging or original.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Independent Spirit Awards, Award for Best Cinematography at the Valenciennes Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The orchard featured prominently in the film was a real, working apricot farm in the Provence region of France, and the filmmakers worked closely with the local farmers to ensure authenticity.

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