Besame

The shepherd boy Besame is lucky, with the help of the old maestro he becomes a student at the conservatory and begins to learn to play the flute. But the governor and other envious people lock Besame in a correctional cell to learn the ruthless rules of life. Here he is tortured, deprived of music, accustomed to money, and turned into a strong animal. Besame's metamorphosis frightens even the bullies, but the maestro saves the young man again - the sound of the flute washes away all the filth from Besame, returning love and freedom.

Directed by Nino Akhvlediani, Besame leans on a strong ensemble — Dato Gabunia, Rezo Tabukashvili, Nugzar Tsomaia — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1989.