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Vodka Lemon

Lala Sarkissian (Actor), Romen Avinian (Actor), Hiner Saleem (Director) Rated:
NR
Format: DVD
3.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings
IMDb6.7/10.0
$11.15
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January 5, 2010 		—
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DVD
December 20, 2005 		—
1
$11.15
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Format NTSC, Color, Multiple Formats, Widescreen, Closed-captioned
Contributor Romen Avinian, Lala Sarkissian, Hiner Saleem
Language French, Armenian, Russian, Kurdish
Runtime 1 hour and 28 minutes
Color Color

Product Description

It Plays Perfect

Product details

  • Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
  • MPAA rating ‏ : ‎ NR (Not Rated)
  • Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches; 2.93 ounces
  • Director ‏ : ‎ Hiner Saleem
  • Media Format ‏ : ‎ NTSC, Color, Multiple Formats, Widescreen, Closed-captioned
  • Run time ‏ : ‎ 1 hour and 28 minutes
  • Release date ‏ : ‎ December 20, 2005
  • Actors ‏ : ‎ Lala Sarkissian, Romen Avinian
  • Subtitles: ‏ : ‎ English
  • Language ‏ : ‎ Russian
  • Studio ‏ : ‎ New Yorker
  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B000BQ5IWI
  • Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 out of 5 stars 21 ratings

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
21 global ratings

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Top reviews from the United States

  • Lucy B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the watch!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I have to say that I love this movie! Throughout this movie I am envisioning myself living there under those circumstances. Bleak, freezing cold, no money, no real quality of life or future, probably very little food, but thank God for the Vodka. As compared to life in the US and a lot of opportunity to have whatever you want ---- it is quite a contrast. This movies is humorous and sweet. I did find myself genuinely cracking up in some scenes. Needless to say the intermittent horse drive by ----- I found hilarious.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Henning
    4.0 out of 5 stars Vodka Lemon
    Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    It's a wonderful film full of magical realism and poignancy.
    I receiived it promptly and in perfect condition.
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  • bee doubleu
    5.0 out of 5 stars So charming
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    I love so many Russian films that I've seen. Many have a war theme, this one is a slice of life type film. I just love it.
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  • Candykss
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a delightful sweet quirky movie.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    I can't figure out why I like this movie so much, but it just makes me smile. The harsh simplicity of the people's lives, the romance.....and the end is just too cute.
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  • Lynda Scheer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A horseman runs through it . . .
    Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2009
    Kurdish director Hiner Saleem sets this bleakly humorous story in an Armenian village in the depths of winter. It's a vision of post-Soviet life, where unemployment is widespread, money is scarce, and vodka is plentiful. In a cockeyed world where quirky is the norm, a musician is towed to a funeral in a bed (see DVD cover), people sit on chairs in snowdrifts to have conversations, the lemon vodka of the title actually tastes like almonds (because it's Armenia, someone explains), at unexpected moments a man on a horse races by, and a piano turns out to be self-propelled. Meanwhile, a widower and a widow begin a tentative relationship. A daughter is given in marriage to a man who is not what he seems. A bus driver sings along with his radio.

    In Saleem's world, there is no exit and few prospects. Devotion to the dead provides what seems to be the only connection to what may have been a more prosperous past; the rooms of houses empty as belongings and furniture are literally carried off to be sold in town for a few dollars. A young woman turns to prostitution. A son who has somehow escaped and is living in Paris is no better off. There are finally only small but life-affirming moments of camaraderie, generosity, celebration, and the warmth of the occasional shot of vodka.

    I enjoyed this film for its portrayal of humor in the midst of hopelessness. A spring thaw begins to set in at the end - and, who knows, maybe things won't get worse.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Erika Borsos
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Storytelling and Great Cinematography,
    Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2006
    In the shivering cold climate of Northern Armenia is a small Kurdish village whose economy is negatively impacted by the break up of the Soviet Union. In this film, the viewer vicariousluy experiences village life in this remote part of the world. The film reveals how human beings overcome adversity and create meaningful lives. The film is a testament to the Kurds and Armenian people whose spirit and love of life is shown in its best light, even in this harsh climate and despite serious economic disadvantages. The characters are phenomenal. Hamo is a grandfather-like wirey muscular man with white hair. He often visits his deceased wife at the cemetery. It is noted that people often carry folded stools which they use at the bus stop (if there is no bench) or to sit on at the graveside. It is a customary in the region to speak to the dead as if they are still among us. Hamo tells her their son Kamo lives in Alfortville, France and is doing well (not entirely true, as he has no job yet). Weekly when he takes the bus to the cemetery, he sees the beautiful widow, Nina, who makes the same trip to the same place. She visits her deceased husband. Hamo notices she does not pay the busfare and the bus driver gives her credit until she can afford to pay. The bus driver plays a romantic French cassette almost each time as the two lone passengers ride to their destination ...

    Hamo receives a short letter from his son who sends a photo of himself and his new French girlfriend. Hamo had expected him to send money. Money is in short supply. The Soviet Union had provided gas, electricity and other necessities to the village free or at nominal cost but now the villagers must fully pay for these commodities. There is no industry. Most of the villagers tend sheep or travel to a larger town or city to work ... Hamo talks to a portrait of his wife and explains he will have to sell a wardrobe (cabinet) to make some money. He takes the item on his back and parks it out on the main road. A married couple who passby inquire about its price for their daughter who is getting married. Negotiations begin and they haggle back and forth until a price is agreed upon. Hamo ends up selling a television set and also an old Army uniform to get more money. He has plans to win over Nina and also there is the wedding of his granddaughter ...

    Nina has a job selling "Vodka Lemon" which is a bottled drink sold at a kiosk, a refreshment stand, near the main highway. Unfortunately business is not good and toward the end of the film, the owner closes the business entirely citing lack of customers. She has a daughter who plays the piano and works at a hotel for tips (although later we learn she earns money in ways other than tips). Their family income is very meager. After Hamo sold his items, he pays the busfare owed by Nina. This kind gesture opens up communication between them. Nina visits Hamo's home and they dance to a tune on the radio as their relationship warms up. In another scene, Hamo invites Nina to the wedding of his granddaughter. The wedding feast is superbly captured on camera. The feeling and mood are well conveyed. Two sheep are slaughtered for the guests consumption. An Armenian traditional band plays music and a female singer serenades the married couple. The wedding banquet is set up outside. There is a long table made up with a tablecloth and dishes ... all of it is out in the cold snow. The married couple sit on chairs on a stage. The wedding reception realistically portrayed and is one of the highlights in the film. Other unique perspectives are the cinematic views of the landscape and the village. We learn this was an arranged marriage with a promise made by the groom to find a job for the father-in-law. There were unexpected dire consequencs for the groom when he failed to keep his end of the bargain/promise. The beginning and ending of the film use pieces of furniture to convey meaning within the scenes, each item represents something important and symbolic. It captures the viewer's attention and creates a continuity and closure to the film. Sadly, Nina ends up selling her daughter's piano ... but it is done for the right reasons and everyone involved is in harmony with this decision. It is very clear that both Hamo and Nina are willing to sacrifice some things of importance to themselves to build a life together. This is a most unusual and delightful film highly engaging and a total pleasure to view. Erika Borsos (pepper flower)
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Eugenia
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reclaiming human dignity
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2007
    For anyone who loves foreign movies, this one cannot be missed. Made by Iraqi Kurd director, this film pictures life in one of the former Soviet Republics. Mix of Russian, Armenian and French language gives another dimension to this wonderfully thought out film. We see day to day life in the small village in Armenia where people try their best just to stay alive. Most of them are unemployed and the only way to get any money is to sell off a little bit of life possessions that they have. We see two people, an older widower, who overcomes his misery of daily existance by visiting regularly his wife's grave. A beautiful widow does the same and on their trips to the cemetary, they get to know each other on the local bus. Without giving away much about the plot, this film gives a picture of life in one of the remote places where there is no hope left. Men are unemployed, women are treated as a property of their husbands and there is no sight of any improvement. How can a person retain their dignity in that kind of society? This film will show you at elast how they try to do that. I hope to see more movies from this young, talented director in the future.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • S. Vinokur
    5.0 out of 5 stars good movie
    Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2006
    coming from the ex ussr it is an interesting insight of what life is like in siberia (i think i saw it over a year ago) but its an a great movie. Has some really funny(cinical funny) parts to it.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Maro
    5.0 out of 5 stars A unique film
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    Excellent, extraordinary and unforgetable. Humanity struggling in the face of extreme hardship in a certain cultural and historical setting. Engaging and emotional, it tests humanity's endurance to the full, and people's willingness to survive despite life's bitter challenges. The challenge of staying humane at incredibly difficult times of extreme hardship, hopelessness, and poverty.
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  • Hefe
    5.0 out of 5 stars Armenischer Alltag, grausam, authentisch und humorvoll
    Reviewed in Germany on April 11, 2005
    Verified Purchase
    Es ist immer wieder beeindruckend, wenn Filme es schaffen, lustig und leicht zu sein und dennoch die Grausamkeit des Alltags nicht unter den Tisch kehren. Dem Film "Vodka Lemon" gelingt das vortrefflich.
    Dargestellt wird das Leben in einem Dorf, Rya Taza, östlich des BErges Aragaz, das von jesidischen Armeniern bewohnt wird, die - wie andere Armenier auch - von Geldsorgen geplagt werden und nach Mittel suchen zu überleben. Die Hauptperson, ein ehemaliger Soldat der Roten Armee, besucht jeden Tag das Grab seiner Gattin. Den Hausstand muss er nach und nach verkaufen, hofft aber auf Geld des Sohnes, der nach Frankreich ausgewandert ist. Seine Enkelin heiratet einen Armenier, der eine Stelle in Nowosibirsk hat und doch nicht den mit dem Vater vereinbarten Hochzeitspreis zahlt.
    Die Armut wird schonungslos gezeigt, von der Gelegenheitsprostitution einer jungen Klavierspielerin, die damit ihre Mutter unterstützen möchte, über kümmerlich bezahlte Arbeiten in einer Getränkebude, die Vodka Lemon verkauft, das nach Mandeln schmeckt, bis hin zum Anschreiben beim Busfahrer. Der Film stellt die Armut ohne Weichzeichner und ohne Sozialromantik dar. Und doch hat der Film Witz, wenn etwa ein alter Mann gezeigt wird, dessen Bett von einem UAS-Geländebus zu einer Beerdigung gezogen wird, bei der er Duduk, eine armenische Flöte, spielen soll. Die Kameraeinstellungen sind oft überraschend, die Bildsprache eindrücklich: Zwei Stühle im eisigen Nirgendwo, die geräumte, endlose Landstraße in Richtung Aparan, die nie fertiggebauten Häuser, deren Rohbau seit 1989 wieder verfällt. Man sieht nicht viel von Armenien, von der Landschaft oder den Städten - und doch etwas Typisches und ganz Anderes als erwartet.
    Viele Anspielungen kann man vielleicht nur erkennen, wenn man Armenien kennt, doch wem das Land fremd ist, wird das ohne Pathos dargestellte Leben dort ein Stück weit verstehen lernen.
    (Meine Rezension bezieht sich auf den Film, nicht auf die DVD.)
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  • Clara
    2.0 out of 5 stars Vorsicht Fehlinformation von amazon
    Reviewed in Germany on March 25, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    Zum Film hieß es, dass es ihn in verschiedenen Sprachversionen gibt und mit englischen Untertiteln.
    U.a. sollte eine Sprache Kurdisch sein. Ich habe den Film deshalb bestellt. Als er kam war er jedoch nur auf Englisch.
    Ich schrieb dem Verkäufer, dass die Beschreibung bei amazon eine andere sei.
    Leider gibt es den Film nicht wie angegeben in anderen Sprachen, sondern nur auf Englisch ohne Untertitel.
    Trotzdem der Verkäufer war freundlich und hatte einen guten Service - ich bekam mein Geld + Porto zurück, obwohl ich den Film schon geöffnet hatte.
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  • Orkid
    4.0 out of 5 stars Key to understanding an important element of Kurdish life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 25, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Vodka Lemon really captures the despair of many fringe Kurdish communities who have sent off family to the West, hoping that these emissaries will send back money (and hope). The film also captures the indurance and strength of those same communities - with some humour and tender moments.
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  • Aram Kudian
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Very pleased.
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