Discovering Estonian Cinema: A Journey Through Culture And Identity

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonSeptember 13, 2025
Estonian cinema has been making waves in the international film scene with its unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary storytelling. From historical dramas to science fiction thrillers, Estonian movies offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's complex history, stunning landscapes, and resilient people.

One of the standout aspects of Estonian cinema is its ability to balance light and darkness, often incorporating elements of folklore, mythology, and social commentary. This is evident in films like November, which weaves a haunting tale of love, magic, and survival in a rural Estonian village. Similarly, Tangerines explores the human cost of war and the power of community, set against the backdrop of the Abkhazian conflict.

Estonian cinema also has a strong tradition of exploring social issues, such as bullying, identity, and social justice. The Class, for example, is a powerful drama that tackles the complexities of high school life and the importance of standing up against injustice. Meanwhile, Truth and Justice offers a sweeping historical epic that delves into the country's complex past and the struggles of its people.

As we delve into the world of Estonian cinema, we find a rich tapestry of stories, themes, and genres that reflect the country's unique cultural identity. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and resilient people, Estonia is a country that has much to offer the world of cinema. Whether you're a fan of historical dramas, science fiction, or social commentaries, there's something for everyone in the world of Estonian film.
Last Sentinel
View Movie

Last Sentinel

#1

Set in the future on a war-ravaged Earth, four exhausted soldiers man Sentinel - a remote military base in a vast ocean that separates two warring continents. While their tour of duty ended three months ago, the relief crew still hasn't arrived and as the empty weeks turn to months, paranoia descends, testing relationships to breaking point...

2023112 min
Science FictionThriller
5.4
198 votes
Truth and Justice
View Movie

Truth and Justice

#2

Estonia, 1872. The uncompromising new owner of Robber's Rise must battle with hard work, his spiteful neighbor and with his own family and beliefs to transform the poor land into a flourishing farm of his dreams.

2019165 min
DramaHistory
7.7
85 votes
November
View Movie

November

#3

In a poor Estonian village, a group of peasants use magic and folk remedies to survive the winter, and a young woman tries to get a young man to love her.

2017115 min
DramaFantasyRomance
7.1
162 votes
Tangerines
View Movie

Tangerines

#4

War in Abkhazia, 1992. An Estonian man Ivo has stayed behind to harvest his crops of tangerines. In a bloody conflict at his door, a wounded man is left behind, and Ivo is forced to take him in.

201387 min
DramaWar
7.7
559 votes
The Class
View Movie

The Class

#5

An average guy of an Estonian high-school decides to defend his bullied classmate. This starts a war between him and the informal leader of the class.

200797 min
Drama
7.5
230 votes

Recent Reviews

The Class

The Class

Sep 13, 2025

The Class, a 2007 Estonian drama film, presents a gripping and unflinching look at the complexities ...

Tangerines

Tangerines

Sep 13, 2025

Tangerines, a 2013 drama directed by Zaza Urushadze, is a poignant and powerful exploration of the h...

November

November

Sep 13, 2025

"November" is a mesmerizing and hauntingly beautiful film that weaves together elements of drama, fa...

Truth and Justice

Truth and Justice

Sep 13, 2025

"Truth and Justice" is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of human nature, se...

Last Sentinel

Last Sentinel

Sep 13, 2025

Last Sentinel, the 2023 science fiction thriller, presents a gripping and intense portrayal of four ...

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle

If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle

Sep 13, 2025

"If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle" is a poignant and contemplative drama that delves into the complex...

Tuesday, After Christmas

Tuesday, After Christmas

Sep 13, 2025

"Tuesday, After Christmas" is a poignant and introspective drama that delves into the complexities o...

Police, Adjective

Police, Adjective

Sep 13, 2025

"Police, Adjective" is a thought-provoking and understated drama that delves into the mundane life o...

Child's Pose

Child's Pose

Sep 13, 2025

"Child's Pose" is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that delves into the intricate dynamics of ...

Two Lottery Tickets

Two Lottery Tickets

Sep 13, 2025

"Two Lottery Tickets" is a charming and entertaining film that brings together the perfect blend of ...

Aferim!

Aferim!

Sep 13, 2025

"Aferim!" is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the darker aspects of 19th century Wallachia, ...

Kayara

Kayara

Sep 12, 2025

Kayara, the latest animated adventure film, has taken the world by storm with its inspiring tale of ...