Watch Mimino

Mimino is a 1977 Georgian-Russian comedy film directed by Georgiy Daneliya which tells the story of a Georgian helicopter pilot named Valiko Mizandari who dreams of traveling to Paris. Vakhtang Kikabidze stars as Valiko, while Frunzik Mkrtchyan plays his friend Rubik. Elena Proklova also appears as Valiko's love interest, Gita. The film begins with Valiko working as a helicopter pilot in Tbilisi, Georgia. His life is mundane and ordinary until he meets Rubik, a fellow pilot from Armenia. The two of them quickly become good friends and Valiko confides in Rubik about his dream of going to Paris. Rubik is supportive of Valiko's dream and the two of them make plans to make it happen.

Valiko is sent to Moscow for a training course, and while there he decides to make his dream a reality. He manages to get a job flying helicopters in France, but he has to jump through countless hoops to get there. Language barriers, cultural differences, and even a potential romance all stand in Valiko's way as he tries to achieve his goals.

Throughout the film, Mimino addresses themes such as friendship, cultural identity, and the complexities of immigrating to another country. The film is notable for its unique blend of humor and drama. At its core, Mimino is a comedy, but it also tackles serious themes in a thoughtful and nuanced way.

One of the most memorable aspects of Mimino is its stunning visuals. The film features breathtaking shots of the Georgian countryside, as well as some impressive helicopter stunts. Georgiy Daneliya is known for his visual style, and Mimino is no exception.

Another strength of the film is its cast. Vakhtang Kikabidze is charming and likable as Valiko, and Frunzik Mkrtchyan delivers a hilarious performance as Rubik. Elena Proklova is also impressive as Gita, the love interest who catches Valiko's eye.

Overall, Mimino is a delightful film that blends humor and drama with stunning visuals and memorable performances. It's a story of friendship, perseverance, and the pull of our deepest desires. Even though it was released over 40 years ago, it remains a beloved classic that continues to charm viewers to this day.