Nix-8 Reviews

Mars na Drinu (1964)

If you've seen Gallipoly, you should see this film, as well.

[29 December 1999]

The title, translated to english, is "The march of Drina". This Yugoslav film is most notable for it's topic, handling of the same and circumstances.

The film was made during the communist era of Yugoslavia. Unlike 99% of war movies made during that time, this one doesn't deal with WW2 and communist revolution, but a historic and epic battle of WW1.

The topic was handled excellently, it was very authentic. For that reason, the film was "shunned" by the official TVs and movie theaters for years.

The topic of this film is the first battle of WW1 that was won by the allies, when small and outnumbered army of Serbian Kingdom defeated Austro-Hungarian invading forces. The plot revolves around a small artillery section, the men and their lives. The cast was excellent and they did their job superbly.

Historically, battles of Drina and Cer, in Serbia, were the first two victories in WW1. Unfortunately, overwhelmed by the invaders, serbian army had to retreat all the way to Greece and wait there until the allies were ready to open the front at Solun.

If you've seen Gallipoly, you should see this film as well. Mind you, this film is in serbian, so you should find a version for your country (preferably not synchronized).

B.U.S.T.E.D (1998)

Good looks, good music, an average story, Bowie - supporting role

[3 February 1999]

Just briefly.

The story is average, actually, two of them. The gangster story starts the movie, introducing us to the gang clashes between english and chinese gangs. One of the members wants out, to become involved in techno music.

This movie is not about betrayal, but about obsession. The gang is not the old gangster type (Michael Caine type). These have a background in urban english techno clubs. Goldie is, naturally, excellent in this environment.

The movie has good looks, the actors look cool, but some of the characters are undeveloped (Bowie has very little to do). The cars, which are kind of a trademark of the gang, look really good.

The music is excellent. I am not a big fan of techno, but this was super. When those cars pool by, you hear great techno music, which follows them.

The truth comes out at the very end, but I mean end. A little unorthodox way to wrap things up. And then you realize that there was no big stand-off, that you're not sure what happened (OK, you can guess, but not all).

All in all, not bad, but not great either.

Nix.