Two married couples from higher middle class and their one still unmarried friend travel through Estonia to meet famous witch doctor. I consider this to be the only real Estonian road movie - there are some others ('186 Kilometers'), but not quite "Keskea rõõmud" (Midlife Joys). The film is directorial debut for Estonian acting legend Lembit Ulfsak, who took over directing when original director (and author of the screenplay) Valentin Kuik fell ill. The inexperience of the director shows, but some of this is definitely the fault of underdeveloped script. The characters and some of their motions are unexplained, some side characters appear out of nowhere and having conversations with main characters and then they disappear, and we - the audience - will never know the relations between these people. Originally the film was intended to be more psychological drama, but new director turned it more lighthearted comedy. Still the the psychological tension between main characters can be felt burning underneath.
All together, it is a nice warm film with that perfect road movie charm. The chemistry between the five main actors is wonderful, making the sarcastic dry humor sound not so bitter but rather sweet. Occasionally shaky cam and awkward camera angel only add more warmth to the sun sun filled experience. Still the only (and very big) flaw of the film is heavily underdeveloped script.
All together, it is a nice warm film with that perfect road movie charm. The chemistry between the five main actors is wonderful, making the sarcastic dry humor sound not so bitter but rather sweet. Occasionally shaky cam and awkward camera angel only add more warmth to the sun sun filled experience. Still the only (and very big) flaw of the film is heavily underdeveloped script.
