Watch Brighton 4th

Brighton 4th is a film that delves into the themes of family, immigration, and the pursuit of happiness, through the lens of Georgian diaspora in New York City. Directed by Levan Koguashvili, the movie tenderly unveils the story of a former wrestler who embarks on a journey fraught with emotional and physical challenges as he traverses a foreign land to support his troubled son.

The narrative centers around Kakhi, played by the former Olympic wrestler Levan Tedaishvili, whose rugged exterior masks a deep paternal affection. Cell phone conversations and photographs are no longer enough, and so Kakhi leaves his homeland of Georgia and his ailing wife behind to ensure the well-being of his son Soso, portrayed by Giorgi Tabidze. Soso finds himself entangled in the complications of life in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn – a picturesque but gritty enclave predominantly inhabited by Russian and Eastern European immigrants. Also featuring in the story is Nadezhda Mikhalkova, contributing to the film’s authenticity with a dedicated performance that further enriches the narrative.

Kakhi’s arrival in his son’s cramped apartment peaks a clash between his own values and the harsh realities of the life Soso has become part of in the United States. It reflects a common immigrant tale – one where the promise of the American Dream is mitigated by harsh economic realities, cultural disparities, and the loneliness that comes with displacement. Kakhi’s wrestling background symbolizes a struggle that transcends the physical, as he grapples with language barriers, unfamiliar customs, and the task of navigating a complex legal system to aid his son.

Brighton 4th is as much about the ties that bind as it is about the individual journey of assimilation and survival in a place that seems to carry the weight and warmth of a tight-knit community, yet simultaneously feels isolating due to its inherent barriers. Kakhi finds camaraderie amongst a group of other Georgian immigrants who offer both comic relief and poignant moments of shared longing for home. They inhabit a world within a world, holding on to traditions and relationships that offer comfort in an otherwise alien environment.

The film expertly captures the essence of its eponymous location – the boardwalks of Brighton Beach provide a gritty but vibrant backdrop that complements the movie's nuanced storytelling. It’s dotted with small businesses, bustling markets, and echoes of Eastern European languages, serving as a makeshift home away from home for the characters who live there. Koguashvili’s depiction is unflinchingly real, steering clear of romanticizing the immigrant experience, instead presenting it with all of its complexity and contradictions.

The cinematography in Brighton 4th plays a key role in creating an immersive atmosphere that bridges the gap between the audience and Kakhi’s world. Its observational style captures intimate encounters and raw emotions, inviting viewers to witness the quiet but profound moments that make up Kakhi's daily reality. The camera lingers on the faces of those whose lives haven't turned out as they expected, and explores the physical spaces that reflect their internal landscapes – the cramped apartments, the community gatherings, and the panoramic shores that parallel the vastness and uncertainty of their futures.

While the narrative unfolds with Kakhi front and center, the film takes care to flesh out a cast of secondary characters who are intriguing and multi-faceted, each contributing to the story's depth and resonance. From the gambling dens to the wrestling gyms, every scene is crafted to provide insight into a community that holds tight to its roots while trying to break ground in unfamiliar territory.

At its core, Brighton 4th is a story about what it means to be a father and the lengths to which one will go to protect one’s family. It’s about the sacrifices made and the hopes that drive a parent's actions, even when the path ahead is fraught with uncertainty. Kakhi’s old-fashioned sense of honor and responsibility is a stark contrast to the more disconnected, individualized nature of the life he encounters in America.

Koguashvili delivers a layered, unassuming odyssey through his protagonist, examining the concept of home and what gets lost – and found – in translation when one’s identity is caught between two worlds. The movie is rich in its simplicity, avoiding melodrama and instead allowing the strength of its storytelling and performances to anchor its emotional potency.

Ultimately, Brighton 4th is a tender, introspective piece that captures the immigrant experience with authenticity and care. As Kakhi navigates this journey, we are offered glimpses of human resilience, the complexities of familial bonds, and the sacrifices made in the name of love. It is a quiet yet powerful cinematic offering that resonates long after the credits roll.

Brighton 4th is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 76.