Blind Dates - nice guys don't always get what they want

This dramedy from Georgia was an interesting and engaging film, although is probably the film I connected least with at this year’s EIFF (that may be due to the very high bar set elsewhere!).  That may also be because I was expecting more of an actual comedy. Although there were some funny scenes, particularly with lead character Sandro’s parents and their determination for Sandro to get married as soon as possible, as the film advanced it was clear that this was intended to be more of a drama.

Despite not being the most compelling film I saw this year, this is not to say that it doesn’t feature an interesting story told in an interesting way.  The leads are excellent, with a well-rounded supporting cast. Similar to ‘Anatomy of a Paperclip’ that I also saw at this year’s festival, much of the comedy comes from the put-upon nice guy and the absurdities he is surrounded by.  Sandro is less passive and more engaged in his life, but his determination to do right by everyone does mean he finds himself taking on responsibilities that most would shirk from, and it is quite ridiculous in some cases that they should fall to him.

Sandro makes for an interesting lead character, much more in tune with the people around him, aware of how society works but instead of cynical about the world, he goes along with what is needed from him, wherever it places him.  This is particularly true of his interactions with women, greatly in contrast to his friend Ivan.  Sandro seems much more aware of how his actions might make women in particular feel.  Whether international or not (and it seemed to be a conscious decision) Blind Dates does a good job of illuminating a low-level sexism that is presumably as prevalent in Georgia as it is in other countries.

All-in-all, Blind Dates is an interesting and frequently very enjoyable film, but not one that had a massive impact on me or that will stay with me for a long time.