The Summer of Sangaile

The Summer of Sangaile is a visually enriching 2015 Lithuanian film written and directed by Alantė Kavaitė. The movie showcases the raw acting talents of Julija Steponaityte, Aiste Dirziute, and Jurate Sodyte among others.

The film primarily revolves around adolescent self-discovery set amidst a beautiful Lithuanian summer. The Summer of Sangaile opens with the chance encounter between two girls, providing a tender portrait of summer love. The movie is set against the backdrop of the Lithuanian highlands, combining an aesthetic appeal of nature’s beauty while subtly exploring the darker contours of the human soul.

The lead character is Sangaile, played by Julija Steponaityte, a 17-year-old girl navigating the stormy waters of adolescence. With an introverted personality, Sangaile is in a constant struggle of uncertainty. She's burdened with a deeply ingrained fear that stops her from pursuing her passion for aeroplanes and dreaming of being a pilot. This obsession with flights and aeroplanes also serves as a metaphor throughout the film, alluding to Sangaile’s longing to break free from her inner turmoils and soar high in the sky.

On the other hand, we have Auste, embodying vivacity and life, brought to life on the screen by Aiste Dirziute. She is an independent young fashionista with a creative mind and an artistic flair, painting a stark contrast to Sangaile’s meek and introverted character. The paths of Sangaile and Auste cross at an airshow, setting the groundwork for the profundity of their relationship to unravel throughout the film.

The Summer of Sangaile develops into a soulful tale of evolving relationships, burgeoning love, and self-discovery through another’s eyes. As Sangaile and Auste spend the summer together, they descend into an intimate friendship becoming each other’s pillar of support. While the blooming romance between the girls is a significant backdrop against which the plot unravels, it doesn’t quite define the entirety of the film. Instead, their relationship personifies a tender bond of mutual support. With Auste by her side, Sangaile gradually learns to face her deepest fears and covert anxieties.

Besides exploring the stirring realm of teenage love, the film stands out for its delicate treatment of sensitive themes like self-harm that adds layers and dimensions to the characters. Sangaile’s character battles with her internal unrest and resorts to self-harm, bringing about a dark undertone to the film.

The Summer of Sangaile is as much a visual treat as it is profound in its thematic content, making it an immersive cinematic experience. Director Alantė Kavaitė extensively uses nature shots, close-ups, and mesmerizing landscapes to create a visually rich portrayal of the girls' world. Further, the director puts a feminine touch to the camera work, with careful attention to details and the aesthetics of everyday life, instilling both ordinariness and allure to the environment.

Equally riveting is the film’s sound design that employs naturalistic sounds of the outdoors due to the summer setting. Carving an immersive atmosphere, it proves instrumental in the understanding of Sangaile's character and the tumultuous sea of emotions she grapples with. From the chirping birds to the noise of the nearby airshow, every minute sound detail contributes to the overall production quality of the film.

The performances in this movie are noteworthy, with Julija Steponaityte delivering an exceptional act as the tormented yet resilient Sangaile. Similarly, Aiste Dirziute brings a charismatic energy to the screen as the exuberant Auste. Together, they take us on a touching exploration of discovery and acceptance, fear and confidence, dreams and reality, delicately knitting together an unforgettable narrative.

To sum it up, The Summer of Sangaile is a beautifully crafted cinematic piece that leaves a strong emotional impact. With its painstakingly curated visuals, spiraling emotions, metaphoric references, and layered characters, it manages to paint a realistic picture of youth careered by love and fear. This film is an ode to all those summer memories and may very well touch a nerve in anyone who’s ever experienced the highs and lows of adolescent love.