I watched this film last night and can't resist thinking that it is one of the most genuine depictions of how Croats really celebrate and live. The depiction of abundant meals and small talk is not exaggerated, beautified or improved in any kind for dramatic purposes. And being true-to-life, this film offers the viewers a tremendous insight into relations between ordinary, simple women and men of kin, while eating and spending time together.
The title, "Kotlovina" implies that the film will have something do to with eating. (Kotlovina means meat and sausages cooked in a big metal plate on an open fire, together with onions, spices and lots of peppers.)
*Spoilers* The film explores the relationship between three middle aged sisters. Two of them, Ana and Seka, have lived in Croatia their whole lives, while the youngest one, Mimi, moved to Australia when she was three because their father was forced to flee Croatia during communism.Two older sister lived with their grandparents. Now, Mimi is back for visit and the family prepares a festive meal at the weekend house. However, things are not idyllic as it may seem at first. Ana's foster son Jakov is in charge of showing Croatia's sights and driving his "aunt" around the country. As they are returning from the Plitvice lakes to the family gathering, the viewer witness that couple having a sexual relationship in the forest. Mini seems totally infatuated by the 22-year-old man and begins to have a real crush on him. They are late for the lunch and things got complicated when Ana, Jakov's foster mom and Mimi's sister, finds out women's panties in Jakov's pocket.
The film is incredibly fresh and full of comic dialogue. Family members constantly nag about something, praise the pork, talk about nothing. They gossip and talk badly of one another, as soon as they get the chance. They drink the whole day but still make fun of a drunk woman from the neighborhood who came later to the dinner. And we witness dramatic catharsis when Ana finds out about Jakov and Mimi's affair.
The characters are down to Earth, full of tiny flaws that make them realistic. The only thing that is a bit annoying is that Mimi is not a femme fatale as one may suggest, but a whining, crying and hysterical queen of drama.
Definitely worth watching! Although the plot is simple and there isn't much happening, the dialogues give the film wit and appeal that keeps the viewers glued to the screen.
The title, "Kotlovina" implies that the film will have something do to with eating. (Kotlovina means meat and sausages cooked in a big metal plate on an open fire, together with onions, spices and lots of peppers.)
*Spoilers* The film explores the relationship between three middle aged sisters. Two of them, Ana and Seka, have lived in Croatia their whole lives, while the youngest one, Mimi, moved to Australia when she was three because their father was forced to flee Croatia during communism.Two older sister lived with their grandparents. Now, Mimi is back for visit and the family prepares a festive meal at the weekend house. However, things are not idyllic as it may seem at first. Ana's foster son Jakov is in charge of showing Croatia's sights and driving his "aunt" around the country. As they are returning from the Plitvice lakes to the family gathering, the viewer witness that couple having a sexual relationship in the forest. Mini seems totally infatuated by the 22-year-old man and begins to have a real crush on him. They are late for the lunch and things got complicated when Ana, Jakov's foster mom and Mimi's sister, finds out women's panties in Jakov's pocket.
The film is incredibly fresh and full of comic dialogue. Family members constantly nag about something, praise the pork, talk about nothing. They gossip and talk badly of one another, as soon as they get the chance. They drink the whole day but still make fun of a drunk woman from the neighborhood who came later to the dinner. And we witness dramatic catharsis when Ana finds out about Jakov and Mimi's affair.
The characters are down to Earth, full of tiny flaws that make them realistic. The only thing that is a bit annoying is that Mimi is not a femme fatale as one may suggest, but a whining, crying and hysterical queen of drama.
Definitely worth watching! Although the plot is simple and there isn't much happening, the dialogues give the film wit and appeal that keeps the viewers glued to the screen.
