powerful and imaginative: a must

Rating: 10/10 (15 August 2000)

This film definitely belongs to the best movies I have ever seen. It is a shocking and surrealistic story about the history of Yugoslavia and it shows the charming but self-destructive temperament that is so characteristic to the people of the Balkan (unfortunately I cannot claim that Hungary would be entirely free from this madness, although my prideful countrymen get usually offended if someone suggests that we have anything common with the Balkan).
After seeing the movie I browsed through these comments. Not surprisingly the film wakes strong sentiments and controversial opinions among the viewers, especially among those who come from the region. One statement expressed by many is that you need to live in the Balkan to understand and appreciate the story. I disagree with this: the magic of this movie is strong enough to capture you, whatever background you may have. Your interpretation may depend on your background, but that is always the case with any piece of art. (To add a somewhat ignorant and cynical remark: maybe non-locals are not be able to understand the movie, but locals definitely don't seem to be able to learn from it.)