elzaholt Reviews

Land of the Gods (2016)

Drama and dharma.

[10/10 · 14 March 2017]

In this cinematic poem, a renowned Serbian/Balkan director/screenwriter makes movie magic when he tackles the subject of an NRI returning to his homeland, the northern Indian state where the land meets the sky (the country of the gods, Dev Bhoomi). The courage of women and the stubborn traditionality of men, as well as an intractable caste system and the struggle for enlightenment, are depicted with clarity and tenderness. A guruji in a Himalayan ashram prompting his devotee not to judge but rather, to know and love human beings, is typecast with the purity and simplicity of life affirmation. The colors are as vivid and wholesome as the mountain air, and the music is beguiling though unsentimental, unlike the standard syrupy songs by Bollywood. The Uttarakhand Himalayas are oddly evocative, to those of us who are familiar with the Balkans, of the ruggedness of the Balkan mountains. In fact, the two locales seem to be linked by a peculiar sense of familiarity in regards to the terrain as well as the treatment of women and attitude towards tradition. Thus, the film seems imbued with a synergic connection between the Balkans and northern India. Dare I conclude that it is very well possible that Serbia is closer to India than to its next- door Hungary?

Circles (2013)

Exiting circles...

[10/10 · 30 March 2013]

If this film were a state of mind, it would be that sense of comprehension before inhaling your last breath. If this film were an emotion, it would be the weeping of an abandoned child. If this film were a person, it would be one reeling due to great loss. Still, it is all of these, and more – it is about liberation. The camera-work takes us around in circles - the clear Hercegovan sky, the clinical void of a Belgrade hospital, the barrenness of western capitalism. We are reminded that life gives no more than what is put in. But also, this film is about balance, about loss of son and gain of father, about deliverance through goodness and imprisonment through evil, and about setting things right in order to be able to take in air again. Could it be that this work of art is finally (after 20 years, from 1993-2013) giving us a chance to atone for endorsing fratricide, if by nothing but by conceding to it? Serbs must exonerate themselves to be able to resume living in the homeland. As for us Yugoslavs, perhaps can finally exit the circle of remorse for the demise of our land and find some redemption and peace of mind.

Montevideo: Taste of a Dream (2010)

outstanding...

[10/10 · 23 January 2011]

Superb ambiance, irony, political subtext, emotional depth... this film has it all. A film which grasps the imagination and unravels the courage to believe in dreams. Admirable acting and a good, sturdy script. Finally, a breath of fresh air from Serbian film-makers! The director shows a profound understanding of the mentality and manages to combine humor and sadness in the effort to present the times and the historical vicissitudes of the Balkans. Even with a minimal knowledge of 'the beautiful game', it's possible to enjoy the skills shown and the love proffered for football.

Dream on Serbian cinematography!