Palm Pictures presents 13 Tzameti, a film by Géla Babluani. The film stars George Babluani as twenty-two year old Sebastian. Besides the starring role, I am unable to determine what actors played what roles as the film is in French and the dialog does not lend itself to clearly identifying all of the characters. It is shot in black and white and runs 90 minutes. The MPAA has not rated 13 Tzameti, but it undoubtedly would be rated “R” for violence.
A roof repairman, Sebastian, overhears a conversation about a possible lucrative job that is to come to the man who has hired him. When the job offer comes and the original recipient is unable to go, Sebastian decides to seek the paycheck. Little does he know how much risk is involved in earning this particular paycheck.
13 Tzameti is well filmed and somewhat stylish in its black and white images. The story starts off a bit weak, but gains strength as it progresses. The acting is good and the editing is very good. Based upon the effect the film had, I should say the direction was also very good.
The French seem to know how to make suspense films. Or at least, some know how. Like The Wages of Fear, 13 Tzameti starts off somewhat slow and then builds. It’s not as effective as Wages, but is does a good job of keeping you on the edge of your seat. A Man Escaped is another French film that effectively builds the suspense until you’re wondering “Will he escape with his life?”…
Though not as effective as those classics of French Cinema, 13 Tzameti holds its own among the competition. Somewhat slow and not terribly interesting is the setup – our man overhears a conversation about a possible job that pays very well. The details seem cloaked in secrecy, but by chance, the opportunity lands in front of Sebastian and knowing noting about the job, he embarks on a journey like no other.
The house where Sebastian has been working, we see, is under surveillance. Whoever it is that is watching, the other side knows and is one step ahead in the game of cat and mouse. So it is that Sebastian, unwittingly, successfully arrives at the job location. Not being who was expected, Sebastian does not get the warmest reception, but those meeting him seem to think “what else can we do but use him?” Still Sebastian does not understand the job or its possible finality.
Then it starts. Like looking in a mirror, we see our horror on Sebastian’s face as we all learn at the same time the nature of this job. Sebastian’s situation has become like the film stock – black and white. The story becomes one of win or lose, live or die and the suspense builds with every turn. See this film and experience the outcome of this most deadly game of chance.