My Happy Family is a 2017 Georgian drama film directed by Nana Ekvtimishvili and Simon GroÃ. Set in Tbilisi, it follows the story of a middle-aged woman named Manana, who decides to leave her crowded multi-generational household to live alone in a small apartment, despite the objections and pressure of her husband, children, and extended family.
The movie portrays the complexities of familial relationships and traditional gender roles in Georgian society. Manana, played by Ia Shugliashvili, is a successful literature teacher and mother of two grown-up children, Lasha and Nino. However, her daily life and privacy are constantly invaded by her husband, Otar, her mother-in-law, her grown-up children, and their families who share the same apartment.
Manana's decision to move out creates a stir among her family members who cannot understand why she wants to break away from them. What starts as an act of independence and personal growth, gradually turns into a journey of self-discovery and liberation for Manana, as she confronts the patriarchal values of her society and struggles to assert her own identity.
Throughout the movie, Manana's character development is juxtaposed with the changing dynamics within her family. Her husband, Otar, played by Merab Ninidze, is a loving but domineering partner who feels threatened by Manana's decision to leave him. He expresses his frustration and anger through violent outbursts and emotional blackmail, which reveals the toxic masculinity prevalent in Georgian culture.
Similarly, Manana's mother-in-law, Lamara, played by Berta Khapava, represents the traditional values and expectations imposed on women in Georgian families, where the mother-in-law holds the power and authority over the daughter-in-law. Lamara constantly belittles and undermines Manana, viewing her as a disobedient, selfish woman who is shirking her responsibilities as a wife and mother.
The movie portrays the generational conflict between the younger, more liberal-minded members of the family, who support Manana's decision to leave and pursue her own dreams, and the older, conservative members who cannot accept the idea of a woman living alone and prioritizing her own needs over her family's.
As Manana navigates her newfound freedom and independence, she reconnects with old friends, embarks on new experiences, and rediscovers her love for literature and writing. Through her journey, she comes to understand the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment, and learns to overcome the fear and guilt that had held her back for so long.
Overall, My Happy Family is a poignant and powerful movie that showcases the struggles and triumphs of a woman facing societal expectations and constraints. The film skillfully portrays the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth, and offers a thought-provoking insight into the cultural and social norms of Georgian society.
My Happy Family is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 2 hours.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 86.
