This Estonian-Georgian co-production rightfully won an Oscar nomination and it is the first time that either country has received this accolade. The film is set in war-torn Georgia and centres around the (only) two surviving soldiers – a Chechen mercenary, ‘Ahmed’ and ‘Niko’, a Georgian volunteer. Both men are taken in and tended to by local Estonian farmer, ‘Ivo’. While both soldiers are determined to resume hostilities, Ivo demands – and gets – a pledge from each of them not to enact revenge on the other; and thus begins the brilliant exploration of what it means to be human. Writer/Director Zaza Urushadze is completely on top of his game here and has delivered a remarkably powerful and moving drama, with outstanding performances. A gem.