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Reviews
Skoro sasvim obicna prica (2003)
Small film, with even smaller pretentions - but all in a good way
In some way uncharacteristic Serbian post 90s film - not about war, not about politics, nor fight for democracy, crime etc - just plain, ordinary life love story.
Script introduces Irena (played by Ms.Zaric, daughter of one of the biggest Serbian TV-actor stars back in 70s) and Vlada (played by Mr.Toskovic - one of the promising young stars). They are facing their 30s and big decisions about their life together. And then Marija, internationally successful Vlada's old love comes to the picture...
Sounds almost too sloppy - but it's not. Directed by Milos Petricic (his first big film), "Almost totally ordinary story" is unpretentious, warm and optimistic film.
Sure, characters are unreal (especially Bane, so poorly played by Mr.Kapicic) and social scenery is somehow too much "pinkly", but strong point of this film is its director - Mr. Petricic. Member of generation of his characters himself, he showed that he totally understand how to tell the urban story, with a little bit of humor and romance, and of course happy-end (that even is not so corny, after all). He is promising author for sure, if I can spot one;)
Locally - this film is refreshment and worth watching (it's surely deserved better distributor, which could make 10 time more visitors in total score). Internationally - it won't have big festival life, because, as I said, it's not about war at all;)) and this is precisely what is expected of films from this part of the world.
Natasa (2001)
Great story about Belgrade and new generations in it, in the very last days of Milosevic dictatorship
Natasha is young Serbian girl, daughter of honest policeman killed by mafia, which reaches to the highest levels of Milosevic regime. Natasha is full of rage, determined to pursuit her own justice (be aware - this is not some cliché - her way is vary unique and claver). She is tied with various characters, confused in confusing times - dawn of Milosevic falling from power.
Honest and clever story. With a little bit of politics, romance, drama and thriller. Great cast - Tijana Kondic as Natasa (her first movie!) and vary convincing Nikola Djuricko as Marko and Neda Arneric, as Natasha's mother. Even Dragan Bjelogrlic as Aca (corrupted chief of police) is not bad as usual;). And, of course, Zoran Cvijanovic as Milutin - master of short roles again on film! He is truly one of the best European actors.
And one big minus for the film - pathetic ending. So usual for Ljubisa Samardzic (director). Yet another solid film, as Skyhook, shadowed with those unnecessary endings.
All at all - 8/10.