Corn Island
Corn Island

Movie spotlight

Corn Island

2014
Movie
100 min
Georgian

The Inguri River forms a natural border dividing Georgia from Abkhazia. One of the spring floods has created a little island in the middle of the river, as if made for the cultivation of corn. At least, this is the belief of an old peasant, whose sunburned face resembles the landscape he has trodden for dozens of years.

Insights

IMDb6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users88%
Director: George OvashviliGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

A young girl named Irna lives with her family on a small island in the Inguri River, a natural border between Georgia and Abkhazia. Her father builds a hut for them on the island, which is subject to seasonal flooding and political tension. As the river's water level drops, revealing a larger landmass, the family finds themselves caught in the middle of a complex geopolitical situation.

Critical Reception

Corn Island received critical acclaim for its minimalist storytelling, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly from its young lead. It was praised for its subtle yet effective portrayal of the human impact of political conflict and its exploration of themes of isolation, family, and survival.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually striking with a minimalist approach that amplifies its emotional impact.

  • A poignant and understated drama that highlights the resilience of the human spirit amidst political turmoil.

  • Offers a powerful, character-driven narrative that resonates long after viewing.

Google audience: Audiences generally praised the film's beautiful visuals and its moving, albeit slow-paced, narrative. Many found the story to be thought-provoking and appreciated the film's unique setting and its focus on the human element of conflict.

Awards & Accolades

Golden Eye award at the Zurich Film Festival, CICAE Award at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, and it was Georgia's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Fun Fact

The film was shot entirely on location on the Inguri River, and much of the cast were non-professional actors, lending an authentic feel to their performances.

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