Is Andi Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Andi, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Andi Ngjela, who was baptised as Nikos Gelia when he came to Greece, is very different today from the days of his childhood in Albania. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Andi Ngjela, who was baptised as Nikos Gelia when he came to Greece, is very different today from the days of his childhood in Albania. He is considered one of the most talented actors of his generation, who starred in the film "Xenia" by Panos Koutras, one of the most important films of modern Greek cinema. Nikos Gelia was born in Albania in the early 1990s in a turbulent period for the neighboring country. At a young age he migrated with his parents to Greece. How was it for a child to look for his "identity" in a country that was not particularly welcoming at that time for immigrants from Albania? The story of Nikos, the boy once called Andi, is identical to the stories of all those people who, due to their circumstances, were forced to grow up without a sense of "national identity.""

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Nikos Gelia provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Andreas Dermanis is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 47 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Andi truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Andi explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Andreas Dermanis respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Andi is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Nikos Gelia or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Andi is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.