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Three Lives

Three Lives (1924)

Bakhva Pulava, a merchant from Poti fells in love with a poor tailor woman named Esma and marries her. At the same time, enchanted by her beauty, another man named Jeremiah Tsarba decides to kidnap her. When Esma refuses to share bed with him Jeremiah mercilessly kills her and when faced by accusations avoids punishment with the help of Valida, an influential nobleman’s daughter. Bakhva Pulava makes a decision to take justice into to his hands.

Directed by Ivane Perestiani

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ivane Perestiani

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Three Lives examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Ivane Perestiani brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1924, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Three Lives took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 153 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 210 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The film contains approximately 1708 individual shots.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1924, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Three Lives shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Promise at Dawn, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Three Lives subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Grand Canary and The Man Who Knew Too Little explore similar territory, Three Lives stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 30, 1924
  • Runtime: 2h 33m

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