This is one of my all-time favourite films, ever. Atmospheric and lyrical, we are lead down a very weird almost-fairytale story of a young gypsy boy with subtle telepathic abilities. These aren’t the main feature though, it’s understated, as there is much chaos in our young antihero’s life. From trying to help his sick sister, getting screwed over by his uncle, trying to get back home to the girl he loves, we are treated to many unusual and sometimes hilariously poetic moments. It’s a delightfully off-beat, kind of jangly, rambling story, but don’t let the length of the film put you off—- it isn’t slow and is never boring. The acting is very naturalistic and convincing, most especially from Davor Dujmovic (our main man Perhan).
It’s also, in some ways, a snapshot of Romani life on the outskirts of “somewhere in Sarajevo” in the late 80s (although of course there are many moments that are deliberately exaggerated for effect). Particularly lovely is Perhan’s charming grandmother who raised him, there’s some hilarious moments with his hopeful bride’s mother, and many times where you feel the confusion and pain that seems to strike his life hard. Perhan became such a beloved character that it became the nickname of the actor who played him.
If anyone is interested in seeing a movie that includes the Romani language, a beautiful soundtrack (which oscillates between bouncy, cheerful Balkan horns and Romani oros, and very ambient, emotional Balkan-inspired compositions) and very natural acting that never breaks even in surreal circumstances—- you will appreciate this. There certainly isn’t any other film quite like it.
Fans of Bora Todorovic will appreciate his portrayal of harsh, shady Uncle Ahmet, and people unfamiliar with this type of naturalistic acting (never seen in Hollywood films) might really get to like it.
I watch this film whenever I feel lonely, or when I miss my great-granny. It’s both realistic and surreal, in what I think is a perfect balance. One of Kusturica’s best works, and one of my favourite soundtracks from Goran Bregovic.
A 100 stars :)