andrejakc-1 Reviews

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Near crash car disaster - parking ticket

[3/10 · 28 May 2015]

I can NOT hide my disappointment after watching the "re-boot" of the classic Mad Max. Compared to the first original is miles away, compared with Road Warrior (pt.2)it's kind of in a different league. It's on par with "thunderdome". Road Warrior had an amazing story, a goal, a redemption, boomerang scene,fantastic twist, Wez the crazy character and Humungus. Fury Road is lacking all this. Heck, Max is like a co-main actor with Furiosa?! And the story, drive there, drive back, one way through the canyon, U-turn, I mean what's the point I asked myself? Hardy as Max is OK, but this role is owned by Gibson. After watching Mad Max 2 in 1982 I almost died on my bicycle, I was so pumped up. After watching Fury Road I almost got a parking ticket how slow was I driving. Disappointed, very, very disappointed.

Finding Family (2013)

Life moves in Mysterious Ways

[7/10 · 5 March 2014]

Heart breaking story. Has an emotional punch and is very well edited, kind of flows and the viewer is hooked to discover will Ogi have a Courage to go all the way and meet his long lost family. Abandoned and puzzled why was he left behind, Ogi gathers belief, strength and will to do the trip and face his past. So many sad stories popped up after the break of Yugoslavia and this is one of those ones, but will this have a happy end, closure or will it be even more painful after meeting or not meeting your family? In rare moments Ogi does loose his cool attitude, but overall he is a very brave person to go face all thus. Obviously very personal, and I believe that even the non-Yugoslav's will have the connection with the story. Sad, very sad and will need to be properly advertised as it is not everyone's cup of tea. Specially the scenes in the orphanage. Recommended. Deserves to be seen within any documentary competition programme. Andreja Kmetovic

Revenge: A Love Story (2010)

Sympathy for the Devil

[8/10 · 23 July 2011]

From the opening scenes of slow-motion choke killing, and the first 20 minutes, I was expecting another gory slasher Asian movie. But than, everything goes upside down. Explained via flashbacks this movie is 100% connected with the title; Add in brackets ( ultimate ) revenge; a love story. Director Ching Po Wong beautifully draw's you into the story. There are slow-motion scenes, there is repetition and than there are difficult gory scenes to watch. But believe me this is one of those movies that if you pass the first 20-25 minutes you will drop the popcorn's, forget about the love squeeze and just watch the movie. The main character Kit ( Juno Mak ) is exceptional as a mean-clean-killing machine. But what is his motive? Why all the brutalities? One of the flashbacks starts with "ultimate revenge is in forgiveness". Obviously Kit bypassed that section in his life and he will not stop until his revenge is complete. Sola Aoi in the role of the girl for who Kit falls in love is quietly perfect. Acting, direction and the script is excellent and this is one of those movies that will be difficult to shake off, it's not a date movie and it's not a movie to watch after getting a parking ticket for example. But it is one of those hidden gems that will stay with you for a while. Check it out as soon as you can! Andreja K.

Love Likes Coincidences (2011)

Love Story meets Amelie Turkish way

[9/10 · 22 July 2011]

Brilliant movie, fantastic script with amazing performances. I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical with the poster, trailer and Turkish pop music. But from the opening scenes of 2 little newborns and their evolution trough life and photography and coincidences, this is simply just a brilliant piece of movie making.Full stop. All this is told trough amazing set pieces and I must admit that Ankara and Istanbul look stunning. There are occasional sugar-sweet moments but the line where dad explains to son that his life is in-between limited borders, but what he does in-between those borders is what really matters stayed with me. The coincidences, the photographic memories which were lost and found and ultimately re-united and the whole story telling is just simply excellent. The summary about Love Story (great ending) meets Amelie ( with all the different locations) Turkish way just gives you a small hint what kind of movie this is. American re-make must be on the way, which probably will be much worse, so until then please check out this movie wherever you can because you will not be disappointed.

Ferpect Crime (2004)

Alex De La Iglesia is on HAT-Trick of Great movies!!

[9/10 · 25 June 2011]

Probably running out on praises Alex de la Iglesia is THE director from Spain. His movies are now somehow an established "must be included in the programme" pieces ( Accion Mutante, Perdita Durango, 800 Bullets ). Here is the director who effortlessly switches from genre to genre but all the time reminding us on his unique and original black-humor. As in most of his films his direction is so recognizable and bursts of violence (chopping of heads trademark shot) are as unexpected as hilarious.This film is so vibrant and original I can not hide my praise for this director. Rafael is the prototype, suave, macho-lord of his universe. His universe is his floor in the massive shopping mall where he successfully manages to up sell any item to any women he wishes. He was born to sell. Image is everything and Rafael is the image of that floor.Soon his role is twisted and the hunter became a hunted. His only escape from future mess is to get rid of his beloved Lordes but this time the plan has to be absolutely PERFECT. The sheer metamorphosis of the lead characters is fascinating. From an elegant, always in control, seduction king, Rafael becomes a twitchy frightened nerd, obsessed with Lourdes who on the other hand becomes this ultimate sexy babe. This is a hilarious and politically incorrect parody about Spanish obsession with image. Here is the man who is on hat-trick of masterpieces after La comunidad and 800 Bullets, and he has a mind of it's own! Go and see this movie and laugh yourself out. Andreja Kmetovic

Take My Eyes (2003)

Marriage never looked so scary.

[8/10 · 25 June 2011]

Pilar is a disturbed wife who loves and cares about her husband Antonio, but can't take it no more. One night she takes her son Juan and just the most necessary things and leaves the flat. This entire prologue introduction is done in an almost horror-set up sequences where we the viewers do realize that in this marriage something is seriously wrong.

As the husband comes back home from his boring and monotonous job his temper takes over, and here we discover how fearful he is.She knows that deep inside she is still his sunshine, love, and above all she did "gave him" her eyes. Silently violent this tale of domestic violence swept clean Spanish national Goya awards and earned more than 20 festival prizes all over the world in 2003. Luis Tosar in the lead actor role is absolutely mesmerizing and stomach-twisting tense, while Laia Marull as a fragile housewife is portrayed to the perfection. This brave movie which raises a range of issues especially from a female perspective of how to survive a violent, broken, non functional unity must be seen by as many viewers as possible. Iciar Bollain is a director worth following. Marriage never looked so scary.

L... kot ljubezen (2007)

Living in Oblivion - Slovenian way

[7/10 · 25 June 2011]

If you did see the indie classic - Living in Oblivion, be prepared for another one - Slovenian way. The story follows a young film maker Gina ( who is very much autobiographically based ) on her one and only mission to make a debut film. One mission, one vision, but a seriously difficult task; Involving a mafia spy, transvestite flat mate, tea-cocaine drinking granny, cheating boyfriend, and a babooshka- Russian-doll with president Bush all over it. Confusing? It's about friendship, and young people from ex-Yugoslavia who live, work and dream in Prague. It interconnects many different stories however it's essentially a film about friendship, thrust and ultimate discovery of a cruel reality. Guerilla film-making is a difficult task when your resources are limited. Film's moto is make movies not love and somehow Gina did managed that despite all the disasters during the shooting. A very promising debut project from Janja Glogovac , definitely a name worth remembering. Andreja Kmetovic

25 Carat (2008)

Leon meets 9 Queens from Barcelona

[9/10 · 24 June 2011]

Set in Barcelona's criminal underbelly, this sizzling and tense thriller is a fantastic debut from Patxi Amezcua, a name worth following. One of those films that you don't expect too much and get so much in return.Cross between 9 Queens and Leon, it follows Kay, a sassy car thief living with her con man father Sebas. Together they scrape by on earnings from petty theft in the hope that one of Sebas' bigger scams will eventually take them away from a life of crime.

One day, Kay is caught red-handed, but a mysterious, handsome stranger, Abel.He impulsively rescues her from the police. Abel has also been forced to work in the criminal underworld to support the upbringing of his young son Adrian. The chemistry between Kay and Abel builds and as their bond strengthens they realise they can help each other. When their lives are threatened, their trust is tested, and they are forced to chose where their loyalties lie.

25 Carats combines gripping plot twists and a virulent cat and mouse chase, and a truly original car-jack. This sexy thriller is executed with a fresh and exciting fervour, brilliantly shot using muted sepia tones, tight close-ups and shorts cuts which bring an enlightening intimacy between the character combined with a breathless pace in action sequences. Held together by an outstanding cast, 25 Carats has already garnered attention after its TIFF premiere and demonstrates a remarkable collusion between violence combined with a delicate sensitivity to vulnerability. A deserved winner of Raindance Film Festival 2009. Andreja Kmetovic

Chameleon (2008)

American Gigolo - Hungarian Way

[9/10 · 24 June 2011]

American Gigolo's made in Hungary with some conscience. Grifters with a heart and a back-up plan. Con-men Gabor and Tibi (played by Ervin Nagy and Zsolt Trill) at night pose as janitors in offices, digging through bins to find marks to help them pin down lonely victims. Gabor plays the slick gentleman, backed by Tibi, marrying women for access to their bank accounts. This brings them easy money, but when Gabor starts to fall for a high-risk mark however, things begin to spiral out of control. Uncertain whether he is playing the beautiful dancer Hanna, or falling in love with her, he gets drawn into an increasing number of complex cons to keep their relationship up.

Chameleon, unlike many of its con-film American equivalents has a certain depth. Developing characters with meticulous detail, the protagonists question their tendency towards deception, disguises and sense of achievements whilst it is also uncertain who is betraying whom.

The third feature from Krisztina Goda, after Just Sex And Nothing Else and Children of Glory, Chameleon is 2009 official Hungarian entry for the Best Foreign Language film category of the Academy Awards. Andreja Kmetovic

S.O.S. szerelem! (2007)

Hungarian - speed dating

[24 June 2011]

Two leading Hungarian actors go head to head in this speed dating duel of a movie. Brad Pitt and George Clooney Hungarian way. Well almost. Péter lives a structured life with his daughter and works an unusual job at a company specializing in matchmaking. However, his position is in peril when a sleuth rival matchmaking company is suddenly soaring beyond their numbers and the only person who can help is his toughest client hopelessly in love with a kindergarten teacher. Péter personally takes on the job, but to his misfortune falls for the same woman he is trying to set his client up with. Trying to hold back his feelings to save his company, Péter can only keep up his professional facade up for so long until a massive unveiling exposes a secret.

Due to its witty dialogue, humorous moments, and relatively formulaic plot with a surprising twist this romantic comedy was an immense success in Hungary. Set against a beautiful backdrop of the countryside in Hungary, this feel good film is a lovely break from reality. With a wonderful cast to pull all the pieces together, along with a particularly talented little girl playing Péter's daughter. Tamás Sas's SOS Love is a memorable romantic comedy, particularly enjoyable due to its aloofness and breezy rhythm.

EKV: As It Once Was (2009)

Greatest EVER group form Yugoslavia !! - Fantastic Documentary

[10/10 · 24 June 2011]

EKV, acronym for "Catherine The Great" (Ekatarina Velika), were one of the leading and most influential post-punk-rock electro bands of ex-Yugoslavia scene of the 80s. When their front man died in 1994, the band all but fell apart, and the remaining three members died within the decade. The frontman - Milan Mladenovic was a trail blazer almost like a Nostradamus predicting darker times for Yugoslavia. His guitar playing and lyrics were unique. In some way he might have been lucky not to see the implosion of this once beautiful country.

What seems even more striking to this day is that the band although largely unknown outside its original territory, remains one of the most celebrated and loved by old and new generations. I was privileged to witness the raw power and emotions LIVE on their concerts.

EKV – As It Once Was is fascinating documentary, examining the reasons for the band's downfall, and retracing the fundamental questions as to what caused their unanimous early deaths. Retracing through the eyes of the four members, director Dusan Vesic examines the power and success of EKV, recollecting the zenith of their successes, the sold-out concerts, the secret all night jam sessions, as well as recounting their implosion through their periphery, their roadies, techies and friends.

I would personally go so far as to request this documentary to be a obligatory viewing for all the new generation poisoned i-pod youths who never - ever had a chance to enjoy real music - performed by real icons and musicians. Up there somewhere in heaven EKV jams once a week to a selected audience. Do not miss this documentary and all respect goes to Mr.Vesic patiently collecting all the archived material. Andreja Kmetovic

Vjerujem u andjele (2009)

Croatian "Il Postino" with a twist.

[6/10 · 24 June 2011]

Imagine a Croatian "Il Postino" with a twist! A curious mailmen Šime (Vedran Mlikota) is one of the favourite persons of a small town, on an island in the middle of the sea. Sime is very cunning as he knows the weather forecast, what winds will blow, what the sermon on the Sunday mass will be as he has perfected a way for opening and closing the letters. That gives him insight into discrete and private affairs of people. One day a stunning woman named Dea (Dolores Lambaša) moves into the town and all the men in the town start with the classic Mediterranean courtship because she is attractive and desirable. Šime is one of them and the more time he spends with Dea the more he likes her. In the last part of the film we find out what Dea is really like and we realise that all along she had a hidden plan which brings an unbelievable last minute twist at the end of the film

9:06 (2009)

Slovenian Memento

[8/10 · 24 June 2011]

A story within a story within a story told in flashbacks. How a certain character transforms himself into another one. 9:06 is a fascinating and compelling study of psychological transformation, brilliantly represented in the movie's title, actually is a kind of upside down, twisted reflection of itself or as Jimi Hendrix used to sing "If 6 were 9". A police inspector named Dusan, played to perfection by Igor Samobor, investigates the death of Marjan Ozim, who apparently has jumped naked off a bridge, leaving his clothes neatly folded on the front seat of his car. All the evidence points to a suicide, but the odd neatness of the act and the puzzle that is Ozim, intrigues Dusan, who sets about investigating the dead man's life when he's not fighting his estranged wife over visiting rights with his daughter. Watching this movie I had to rewind couple of times just to remind myself of symbolism, it almost plays out as a shorter – Slovenian version of Memento. Crazy thing is, the more Dusan discovers about Ozim, the more he seems compelled to mentally and physically transform into him. I have to mention the main set piece, a bridge on the river Soca in Solkan, the highest road bridge in Slovenia. This graceful arch of concrete bookends the movie.The bridge itself is another symbol of the transformation Dusan experiences. It photographs beautifully, and Sterk uses it to maximum effect.If you like mind-bending thriller's do not miss this movie!

The Woman with a Broken Nose (2010)

Unforgettable title = Great movie

[9/10 · 24 June 2011]

Massive step forward from his previous work, director Koljevic pulled out almost a masterpiece with this unique BALKAN comedy. Characters like these can be found only in ex-Yugoslavian territories. A young woman with a baby and a broken nose steps out of a taxi caught in traffic jam on a Belgrade bridge leaves the baby behind in the car and throws herself into the river. The taxi driver is shocked. This suicide attempt connects the destinies of three witnesses; it triggers their emotionally "stopped" lives making them move forward. The misanthropic taxi driver, left behind with the baby, begins fighting for the life of the woman with a broken nose (outstanding Glogovac, with a totally different role that he plays in DONKEY, imagine Ben Stiller mixed with a bad luck of Woody Allen!). A young teacher faced her life trauma; and an unusual woman pharmacist leaves her fiancé looking for a real love. These characters will save each other's lives and rediscover true reasons to live. Great storytelling and even better acting makes this movie a must see on every serious moviegoers list. Don't miss it!

The Great Water (2004)

Highly emotional deja-vu story about lost childhood under communism

[7/10 · 21 May 2006]

THE GREAT WATER. Based on a novel it starts in the lead characters moment between life and death. In the present day opening scene an ageing politician (wordless Meto Jovanovski ) is rushed to the hospital. The trauma triggers flashback recollections of his orphanage childhood. In that single moment when he is about to step to the other side to face himself, his loneliness, pain , fear, and a never forgotten friend the dying man remembers everything. Every single moment that shaped his life forever. As he was captured as a kid by the partisans after the Second World War ended in Yugoslavia he is taken to the made –up orphanage where "friendly political indoctrination "is in progress. Saso Kekenovski in the lead role with his bug-wide eyed hollow stare is memorable as a lost soul. Same goes for his blood-brother Isaac ( Maja Stankovska utterly convincing playing a boy) who delivers a chilling portrayal of a "Damian" look-alike powerful Darth Sidious. Their acting is effortless even though there are not many dialogues, the scenes and their young faces perfectly describe every single scene. The movie itself is something like Empire of the sun-Devil's Backbone style prison story with some horror moments. The big difference is that is based on true events which were really happening in Macedonia. Beautifully filmed on some breathtaking locations with many memorable scenes this small movie which deserves to make it big. As an extra ingredient there is a gravely-deep voice-over by Rade Serbedzija in the English version of the movie which is magnetically reminding us about the young Lem's survival in the camp-orphanage. Very surprised that a super group LEB I SOL did not contribute a soundtrack to this movie because one of their more memorable songs is a title of the movie. Nevertheless after Mancevski's success with "Before the Rain "there was a void in the Macedonia's film industry. Ivo Trajkov managed single handedly to erase all that with this perfect and truly memorable film.

Andreja Kmetovic

When I Grow Up, I'll Be a Kangaroo (2004)

With a title like this u can't go wrong. Hilarious comedy with some unexpected cameos.

[8/10 · 21 May 2006]

Triptych of stories connected with recognizable characters from the previous hit "Munje (Thunderbirds) in the present Belgrade. In the first story a local hero from the "Vozdovac" ghetto is trying desperately on a shoe-string budget to impress a high society catwalk beauty. Charm, renting an empty cinema, and counting on your best friends to help you out are just some of the tactics how he is trying to seduce his date. What is impressive in this segment are his inner demons which are on the verge of taking him over the edge, and these inner voices do take over in the worst possible moment. In the second story two best friends place an impossible bet on a result where the mighty Manchester United supposed to loose against the less favorite Ipswich, and all that because the goalkeeper of the Ipswich club is their school friend Kangaroo who made it famous in the big- league. The atmosphere in the local restaurant where they are following the live game is razor-sharp tense with some funny commentaries and some unexpected cameos. Who will win the game and who will win the bet is on you to find out. The third story is simply a roof-terrace philosophy take on the life in the depressive Belgrade. Avax and Hybrid's motto is I'm the most useful while I'm not doing anything: because there are no incomes but than again there are no outcome's either. After so many joints and beers one of them spots a close encounter almost like an X-files and then the whole meaning of life fits into place. These stories are perfectly describing a survival- level life in Belgrade. There is not so much to do, but the things which are available have to be exploited to the maximum. Loosely connected to the original characters from the first movie we do realize that the cop did not end up in Portugal, that a loony Santa got lost, but then again we do realize that the there is a never-ending vibe in this city, just like it's impressive nightlife where everyone party's till dawn with so much energy. All this is very nicely supported with a brilliant soundtrack selection, and with great direction and acting makes this comedy very enjoyable. Hopefully in couple of years we will see the ending of this trilogy.

Radivoje Andric is almost like a veteran on this festival. His debut movie THREE PALMS FOR TWO PUNKS AND A BABE received all the possible awards at every Yugoslav film festival and was a sold-out screening at Raindance 2000. Couple of years ago he came back with MUNJE ( THUNDERBIRDS ) which was very well received too, and "Kangaroo" his third movie is a loose sequel to that movie. Born in Sarajevo in 1967, he acquired his experience working as an assistant to renowned Yugoslav directors, very friendly guy works with B92 radio and TV station.

Andreja Kmetovic.

Sretno dijete (2003)

Must-see music documentary which should be included in elementary schools rosters for educational purposes.

[7/10 · 21 May 2006]

This is a rock'n'roll documentary which was long time in making and even more awaited. The story of making a Yugo-documentary on this subject was floating like an open question for so long, but until now no-one had a courage and dedication to realize it. Igor Mirkovic a Croatian journalist and director bravely tackled this subject with fabulous research. Describing the 1980's when YUGOSLAVIA was still one country and when the music was so vital to the everyday life, especially after the death of a longtime president Tito was not an easy subject. Fortunately this was probably the period when the local music scene was up to the highest standards. Everyone suffering the present music situation on these territories will gladly confirm this. These were the times of some immortal groups which deeply rooted themselves into the Yugoslavian rock'n'roll history. The so called "new-wave" of punk and heavy rock started with groups like AZRA, PANKRTI, BIJELO DUGME, FILM, ELEKTRICNI ORGAZAM, PATROLA, HAUSTOR, IDOLI and PRLJAVO KAZALISTE. The title of the movie is lifted from one of the hits too. This "new-wave" outburst of so many quality groups was nothing like the music of Duran Duran or Depeche Mode it was much closer to the Sex Pistols, Clash, and Smiths energy. With all the raw impulses it describes the upbringing of the last generation of socialistic teenagers. It's not a poetic movie, or rock-history lesson from former Yugoslavian tradition it is simply a subjective view of an individual and his memories from that time, from a point of a witness not a performer. Juxtaposed with fantastic archive clips are more less all the survivors of that era and their anecdotes, where they do share some intimate moments and distant memories. It's a pity that some of the legend's did refuse to contribute to this movie but probably checking it out in some cinema they will realize that they were just omitted but not forgotten, and they know who they are. The whole filming process was gigantic effort too, because after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia everyone parted its ways. So chasing down all the artists all over the world deserves praise. Different locations, different memories, and very different attitudes, might produce a total mixture of scenes, but it's the music which is holding this movie firmly and tightly together and from the opening intro over the credits a viewer is caught in this brilliant soundtrack of genuinely catchy tunes. Lucky Kid is a must see documentary which I personally would include in the elementary schools roster nowadays for the education purpose. A monument to the generation that was growing up with a strong belief that this music was more important than any stupid politics, or money, or even life, and I wish if it just stayed that way.

Eight Hundred Bullets (2002)

Funny western from a weird and unique mind of Alex de la Iglesia

[8/10 · 21 May 2006]

Carlos a young, unbearable, spoiled, kid suddenly discovers some hidden secrets about his family. He never had a chance to meet his father but knows that his grandfather is a stuntman who worked in famous westerns many years ago, in those mythical times when the Americans were riding the earth in Almeria.

His mother was guarding these secrets from him so on the first chance Carlos decides to explore the unknown part of his family, and escapes to a touristy place in the middle of nowhere called "Texas Hollywood" to meet his grand father. When his mother finds out she can't take it and she swears by all means necessary to destroy the Wild West village. But cowboys are not cowards and here is where the movie really kick's into overdrive.

This is a phenomenal masterpiece homege to many spaghetti-western classics, it's a duel in-between reality and dream and it's definitely this director's most complete work. The visual side of the movie is nothing short of spectacular and it's a real shame that masters like Sergio Leone or John Ford could not witness it they would love it!

The title comes from the main characters budget of being able to buy only 800 bullets to defend his village and his friend against the police.

Characters are fascinating and memorable from the man who's hanged through the whole movie to the horse dragging stuntman cowboy, but the central figure is Julian (Sancho Garcia) in an epic role of a famous Clint Eastwood double.

There are many brilliant moments and the movie from the opening scene is just a one of those rare movies which holds your attention all the way.

This, the directors 6th movie is the most complete and probably most personal and confessional work. The pure imagination and all the ideas executed and transferred to the screen are nothing less than spectacular.

Finally, like a viewer you don't need to like westerns, the movie is about courage, friendship, and very original humor.

ALEX DE LA IGLESIA born 1965 in Bilbao is one of the leading Spanish directors present. Besides his recognizable style and brave projects DE LA IGLESIA has tested himself almost in every single movie genre. The only short which he directed "Mirindas Assesinas" was loved by Almodovar brothers which leaded to their collaboration on a hilarious mixture of science-fiction-parody "Action Mutante" (1992). After that a Spanish box office hit followed "El dia de la bestia" (1995), after which he picked up an abandoned project of Bigas Luna "Perdita Durango" (1997) which introduced to the world a great duet in-between Rosie Perez and Javier Bardem. After this he directed "Muertos de risa" (1999), and "La Comunidad" (2000) which was just recently distributed in UK. His sixth feature "800 Ballas" was nominated for 7 Goya's (Spanish Oscars) and features Alex de la Iglesia first time as a producer.

Andreja Kmetovic.

The Professional (2003)

Great adaptation of a classic book.

[9/10 · 21 May 2006]

The movie starts with Belgrade's anti-Milosevic October revolution in 2000. From the opening credits and unforgettable images of an uprising nation this is a classic movie in every single sense. The introduction of Luka a strange taxi-driver knocking people on streets and refusing passengers is hilarious from the start, but when he meets his long following target the roles are changed. Teja (Branislav Lecic) an university professor, bohemic writer, a member of Belgrade's intellectual circles and a passionate opponent of the Milosevic's regime is a manager in a big publishing house. The workers are far from happy and a strike looks very likely to happen. One day a strange visitor comes uninvited to his office carrying a big suitcase. That man is an above mentioned Luka, a former agent of Serbian Security Forces, now just an ordinary taxi driver. This is just the beginning of an amazing and most unlikely encounter. Slowly as we get to know Luka his mission was to daily shadow Teja during the last ten years, to write reports on his behavior and acts, to watch on him an follow him on even most intimate moments of his life. Step by step the last ten years of their lives are appearing, the lives of these two men with quite opposite destinies. The editing of documentary footage with live action is impressive and the almost "Forest Gump" appearances of TEJA in many of the country's memorable historic moments are raising Goosebumps. It works on many parallel levels, like a comedy, like a social drama, or just like a documentary on the dark years of one nation. Bora Todorovic is effortlessly brilliant in a role which was portrayed by late Danilo Bata Stojkovic so many times on the theater stage, and is possibly the only right substitute for this great actor. The producers together with the research team had done an unprecedented job concerning Yugoslavian cinematography maximizing all the documentary archives and the clever usage of locations an every single effort is highly rewarded. From the most unexpected situations, after the slow introduction, sometimes irresistibly comic, to the most tragic events and dark hidden war stories, rises the chronicle of one period in time. It's a history of a struggle for freedom of one nation at the end of the 20th century with a personal recognizable comic touch by Dusan Kovacevic.

Fuse (2003)

Beautifully captured Bosnian tragi-comedy

[9/10 · 21 May 2006]

Fuse as the title suggests is a story about patience. It's about a wonders of normal people living in an abnormal situation, about their hope for a better life, about their temper, and about whoever knows any ex-Yugoslavs about their famous temper, their fuse. Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 years after a war which ravaged this region for so long. Tesanj is a small not so important village on which surface you can see good neighborhoods, local market, honest people, tradition and friendliness. But underneath there is hunger, hidden dangerous minefields, ethnical intolerance, widespread and well organized criminal, prostitution and total corruption. Then suddenly out of nowhere amazing information comes in. American president personally is planning a visit to this in the middle of nowhere village, so the race against time starts to clean up the corrupted system and establish some missing democracy. The dialogues are memorable and the local humor is highly original but like in the past standout classics ("No man's Land, Pretty Willage Pretty Flame) the irony of the after-war situation is very well captured.

Its fascinating how effortlessly the whole surreal situation of this once beautiful country is portrayed trough some series of tragic-comic scenes. Like Pjer Zalica commented himself; "We were brave to laugh at our troubles and problems during the past difficult decade. I've realized that during the war years I was doing war documentaries and war movies, still after all this there is belief in the better life" That is exactly the message that you like a viewer should get from this movie, that after all the darkness there can only be light, and that as their original humor the optimism in Bosnia and Herzegovina is very much alive.

Andreja Kmetovic

The Terminator (1984)

Best ever sci-fi movie till now, the original and the BEST.

[10/10 · 21 May 2006]

There is simply no flaw in this movie. From casting, to direction to the great script. Arnie was born to do this role. Michael was a perfect hero and James was the only to pull it out, by his standards. Arnie had a very small amount of lines but more-less all of them are memorable. From "i'll be back" to his multiply options of answers while repairing his face damage. Even Reese's one-liners like "Come with me if u want 2 live" are legendary. And our main hero dies. I mean in how many movies nowadays this happen? I was always against any syrupy happy-endings but this one is just about perfect. What about that picture at the end? The beginnings of this masterpiece might be in some other classics like "Blade runner" or "Mad Max", than Cameron definitely borrowed from "Westworld", but somehow he managed to create his own space. There are countless books written about it and there will always be a debate which one is better T1 or T2? For me personally after more than 10000 movies seen there are just a few with 10 points. Terminator is one of them.Star Wars, Matrix and Alien come up to the near second in sci-fi section but "I'll be back!" rules. Still after more than 20 years it is not dated or outlived. It still has the visual flair, "that accent" and just a great story. Made on low budget it became one of the most influential movies of 80's, and 4 me it is the original and best ever sci-fi movie 'till now.