Best Movies about Serbian

Movies about Serbian

Serbian cinema, a cornerstone of the Balkan film industry, has forged a significant presence on the global cinematic stage.

Despite its tumultuous history, which includes the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the subsequent Yugoslav Wars, Serbian cinema has persisted, often using these experiences to inform its compelling and thought-provoking narratives.

The film industry in Serbia has its roots in the early 20th century, but it was during the Yugoslav period, particularly the 1960s and 70s, that it began to flourish.

During this “Golden Age,” Serbian directors, as part of Yugoslav cinema, produced films that delved into social and political issues, veering away from the earlier, more mainstream productions.

Post-Yugoslavia, Serbian cinema entered a new era. Despite economic challenges, filmmakers continued to produce impactful films that addressed the country’s war-torn past, socio-political transitions, and the complex identity of the Serbian people.

Serbian cinema became a platform for dissecting and discussing the nation’s tumultuous history and its consequences.

Best Serbian Movies

The following list introduces some of the most compelling films in Serbian cinema. Each one offers a unique exploration of the Serbian experience, reflecting the nation’s historical resilience and cultural complexity.

These films underscore the power of Serbian cinema and its ability to navigate challenging narratives with depth, humanity, and insight.

1. Underground (1995)

“Underground” is a Serbian film directed by Emir Kusturica and released in 1995. It is a dark comedy-drama set in Yugoslavia during World War II and the post-war period. The film explores themes of war, politics, love, and betrayal.

“Underground” follows the story of two friends, Marko and Blacky, who are part of the Yugoslav resistance movement during World War II.

They lead a group of fighters who use an underground cellar as their hideout. However, after the war ends, Marko convinces the group that the war is still ongoing, and they continue to live underground for more than 20 years.

The film spans three decades and depicts the political and social changes in Yugoslavia, including the rise and fall of communism. It also delves into the complex relationships between the characters and their personal lives.

The story is filled with dark humor, absurd situations, and surreal elements, reflecting the turbulent history of the region.

“Underground” received critical acclaim and won the Palme d’Or at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival. It is known for its imaginative storytelling, strong performances, and powerful political commentary.

The film provides a unique perspective on the historical events in Yugoslavia and the consequences of war.

Please note that “Underground” is a distinct film and should not be confused with other movies that may have similar titles.

Amazon Prime Video (video na vyžádání)
Predrag ‘Miki’ Manojlović, Lazar Ristovski, Mirjana Jokovic (Actors)
Emir Kusturica (Director) — Emir Kusturica (Writer) — Karl Baumgartner (Producer)
(Jazyk přehrávání)
Hodnocení publika: NR (nehodnoceno)

2. Black Cat, White Cat (1998)

“Black Cat, White Cat” (Serbian: “Crna mačka, beli mačor”) is a 1998 Serbian comedy film directed by Emir Kusturica. The film follows the comedic misadventures of two rival Romani families living in a riverside village near the Danube.

The main characters are Matko Destanov (played by Bajram Severdzan) and Dadan Karambolo (played by Srdjan Todorovic).

Matko is a small-time smuggler who dreams of striking a big deal to secure his financial future. Dadan is a wealthy and powerful gangster who controls the local criminal underworld.

Matko’s plan involves marrying off his teenage son Zare (played by Florijan Ajdini) to Dadan’s sister, in the hopes of gaining favor and an opportunity for a lucrative deal.

However, complications arise when Zare falls in love with Ida (played by Branka Katic), a beautiful and mysterious woman who becomes a catalyst for chaotic and humorous situations.

“Black Cat, White Cat” is renowned for its lively and energetic storytelling, eccentric characters, and vibrant depiction of Romani culture.

The film blends elements of comedy, romance, and farce while showcasing Kusturica’s distinctive visual style and his ability to create a unique atmosphere filled with music, dance, and memorable scenes.

It received critical acclaim and has become one of Kusturica’s most beloved and internationally recognized films.

Bajram Severdzan, Srdjan ‘Zika’ Todorovic, Branka Katic (Actors)
Emir Kusturica (Director) — Gordan Mihic (Writer) — Dragan Djordjevic (Producer)
German (Subtitle)
Hodnocení publika: R (omezeno)

3. Skinning (2010)

“Skinning,” also known as “Šišanje” in its original Serbian title, is a Serbian drama film directed by Stevan Filipović. Released in 2010, the film tackles themes of youth subcultures, social tensions, and violence in contemporary Serbian society.

The story revolves around the character of Novica, a high school student living in Belgrade. Novica finds himself entangled in a violent and chaotic world as he becomes a member of a neo-Nazi gang.

The film explores the consequences of his involvement with the group and the impact it has on his relationships with friends, family, and himself.

“Skinning” sheds light on the issues of extremism, racism, and the influence of radical ideologies on young individuals.

It delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the allure of belonging to a group that provides a sense of power and purpose, even at the expense of moral compromises.

The film received critical acclaim for its bold and uncompromising portrayal of social issues. It offers a grim and disturbing depiction of the darker aspects of Serbian society and the challenges faced by its young generation.

“Skinning” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the dangers of extremism and the struggle for individuality within a turbulent and oppressive environment.

German, English (Subtitles)

4. Circles (2013)

“Circles” is a Serbian film directed by Srdan Golubović. It was released in 2013 and is a drama based on real events that took place during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the consequences of war.

“Circles” is divided into three interconnected stories that span different time periods. The first story follows a group of soldiers during the war who witness an act of violence committed by one of their comrades.

The second story takes place several years later and focuses on the consequences of that act on the lives of those involved. The final story examines the impact of the past on the present and the possibility of redemption.

The film received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2013. It is praised for its powerful storytelling, nuanced performances, and its exploration of complex moral dilemmas.

“Circles” is known for its restrained and thoughtful approach to portraying the aftermath of war and the lingering effects on individuals and society.

Srdan Golubović, the director of “Circles,” is a prominent Serbian filmmaker known for his socially and politically engaged work.

He has directed several other notable films, including “The Trap” (2007) and “Krugovi” (1997). Golubović’s films often tackle challenging subjects and offer thought-provoking examinations of human nature and society.

5. Tito And Me (1992)

“Tito and Me” is a 1992 Yugoslav comedy film directed by Goran Marković. The film is set in Yugoslavia during the 1950s and follows the story of a ten-year-old boy named Zoran, who is fascinated by the country’s leader, Josip Broz Tito.

Zoran dreams of meeting Tito and becomes convinced that he is his biological father.

The film explores the complex political and social climate of Yugoslavia during that time, using humor to shed light on the challenges faced by ordinary people under Tito’s regime.

“Tito and Me” offers a satirical take on the cult of personality surrounding Tito and provides a glimpse into the everyday lives of Yugoslav citizens.

Please note that my knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, and there may have been subsequent developments or details related to “Tito and Me” that I’m unaware of.

Vojislav Brajovic, Milutin Dapcevic, Nebojsa Dugalic (Actors)
Goran Markovic (Director) — Goran Markovic (Writer)
Hodnocení publika: Nehodnoceno (nehodnoceno)

6. When I Grow Up, I’ll Be A Kangaroo (2004)

“When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Kangaroo” (original title: “Quand je serai star”) is a French comedy film directed by Michel Blanc and released in 2004. The movie revolves around the lives of two close friends, Vincent and Antoine, who dream of becoming successful actors.

Vincent and Antoine have been aspiring actors for years but have yet to find any significant success in their careers.

Vincent is a struggling comedian who performs in small venues, while Antoine works as a bartender and auditions for various roles. Frustrated with their lack of progress, they decide to take matters into their own hands.

In a bold move, Vincent and Antoine decide to kidnap the famous actor, Georges Clou (played by Michel Blanc himself), and hold him hostage until he agrees to give them a role in his next film.

The friends’ plan becomes even more complicated when Vincent falls in love with Clou’s co-star, Alice, adding another layer of hilarity and complications to their situation.

“When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Kangaroo” is a light-hearted and comedic film that explores the themes of dreams, friendship, and the pursuit of success.

It offers an entertaining and often satirical take on the world of acting and the lengths some may go to achieve their dreams.

Please note that the availability and distribution of films can vary by region, so it may be best to check with local sources or streaming platforms to see if “When I Grow Up, I’ll Be a Kangaroo” is available in your area.

7. The Marathon Family (1982)

“The Marathon Family” (original title: “Maratonci trče počasni krug”) is a Serbian comedy film directed by Slobodan Šijan and released in 1982. It is considered one of the most iconic and influential films in Serbian cinema.

Set in Belgrade during the 1930s and 1940s, “The Marathon Family” follows the story of the Topalović family, who run a funeral parlor.

The patriarch of the family, Bisa, is determined to organize a grand funeral procession in honor of his deceased father. However, the family faces numerous absurd and comedic challenges along the way.

The film uses humor and satire to explore various aspects of Serbian society, including family dynamics, social class, and the impact of political and historical events. It satirizes bureaucracy, corruption, and the influence of political ideologies.

Through its colorful characters and witty dialogue, “The Marathon Family” offers a humorous and critical commentary on Yugoslav society.

“The Marathon Family” gained both critical acclaim and popularity among audiences in Yugoslavia and beyond. It is known for its clever writing, memorable characters, and satirical depiction of society.

The film has since become a cult classic and is considered a significant milestone in Serbian cinema.

Please note that the availability of “The Marathon Family” may vary depending on your location and the platforms or sources you have access to.

Nebyly nalezeny žádné produkty.

8. Hadersfild (2007)

“Hadersfild” is a 2007 Serbian drama film directed by Ivan Živković. The film is set in the town of Niš, Serbia, during the 1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia.

It explores the lives of several characters, primarily teenagers, who are trying to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of war.

The main protagonist is a young boy named Bane (played by Marko Živić). Bane lives in the Hadersfild neighborhood of Niš, which is heavily affected by the bombing.

The film delves into Bane’s personal journey as he copes with the destruction around him, deals with loss, and searches for a sense of belonging and meaning amidst the chaos.

“Hadersfild” tackles the themes of youth, friendship, survival, and the impact of war on everyday life. It provides a poignant and sometimes harrowing portrayal of the experiences and emotions of individuals caught up in conflict.

The film received positive reviews for its authentic portrayal of war and its impact on ordinary people. It was praised for its cinematography and the performances of its young cast. “Hadersfild” offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Nebyly nalezeny žádné produkty.

9. We Are Not Angels (1992)

“We Are Not Angels” (original title: “Mi nismo anđeli”) is a Serbian comedy film directed by Srđan Dragojević. Released in 1992, it became one of the most popular and influential films in the history of Serbian cinema.

The film follows the misadventures of a con artist named Nikola (played by Nikola Kojo) who poses as a well-known opera singer, while in reality, he is a gambler and a womanizer.

He ends up in a small town, where he falls in love with a local girl named Marina (played by Mirjana Joković). Nikola’s attempts to win her over and maintain his deception form the comedic core of the story.

“We Are Not Angels” is known for its fast-paced humor, witty dialogue, and satirical take on various aspects of Serbian society. It captures the spirit of the early 1990s in Yugoslavia, a time of political and social turmoil, and provides a lighthearted escape from the difficult reality.

The film was a major commercial success and achieved cult status in Serbia and the broader Balkan region. It spawned two sequels, “We Are Not Angels 2” in 2005 and “We Are Not Angels 3: Rock & Roll Strike Back” in 2006, further solidifying its popularity.

“We Are Not Angels” is often regarded as a classic of Serbian cinema and is appreciated for its entertaining storyline, memorable characters, and humorous commentary on societal norms and values.

It played a significant role in revitalizing the Serbian film industry and remains beloved by audiences in the region.

Nikola Kojo, Milena Pavlovic, Branka Katic, Srdjan Todorovic (Actor)
Srdjan Dragojevic (Director) — Srdjan Dragojevic (Writer) — DELTA VIDEO, DELIRIUM, and AVALA FILM.

The 7 Best Serbian Movies of All Time

When it comes to mastering a difficult language like Serbian, immersion is the key to success. Checking out our list of the best Serbian movies of all time can be an engaging and effective way to become familiar with the sounds, intonation patterns, and expressions of this captivating but challenging language while exploring different aspects of Serbian culture.

Serbian cinema has a long and storied history, with filmmakers from this Balkan nation leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape. From powerful dramas to thought-provoking documentaries, Serbian movies offer a unique opportunity for language learners to enhance their listening skills and cultural understanding.

In this article, we’ll take you on a cinematic journey through some of the best Serbian films you can stream in 2023.

1. Parada (The Parade, 2011)

Synopse:

“Parada” (2011) stands as a cinematic landmark, addressing a previously unexplored topic in Serbian films. The story revolves around Radmilo and Mirko, a gay couple facing relentless harassment in their town. Mirko, an educated gay rights activist, dreams of organizing Belgrade’s first gay pride parade. Their lives take a twist when they meet Limun, a homophobic gangster, and his fiancée Biserka. Radmilo persuades Limun to provide protection during the pride in exchange for organizing their wedding. Limun assembles a protection team, leading to unexpected challenges.

Cultural Focus:

The film sheds light on LGBTQ+ struggles in Serbia, highlighting the hurdles faced by the community in a conservative society. “Parada” portrays the evolution of societal attitudes, emphasising themes of unity and acceptance.

2. Mrtav ‘ladan (Frozen Stiff, 2002)

Synopse:

In “Mrtav ‘ladan” (2002), two brothers, Lemi and Kiza, face a unique predicament. Tasked with transporting their deceased grandfather from Belgrade to Vršac, they employ an unconventional plan. Disguising him on a train and convincing fellow passengers that he’s sleeping, their scheme goes awry when a suitcase falls on his head. Passengers think he’s dead, leading to a chaotic series of events. Unbeknownst to all, a drug package in the grandfather’s pocket adds complexity to their search.

Cultural Focus:

The film humorously portrays life in Serbia, capturing the absurdity of everyday situations. “Mrtav ‘ladan” highlights the ability of Serbians to find humour in unexpected circumstances.

3. Karaula (The Border Post, 2006)

Synopse:

“Karaula” (2006) unfolds at a Yugoslav-Albanian border post in 1987, revolving around Lieutenant Safet Pašić’s bizarre ailment. Suffering from a mysterious groin issue, he seeks help from the post’s sole doctor, Siniša, who diagnoses him with a sexually transmitted disease. To keep it secret, Safet declares a state of emergency, warning of an impending Albanian attack. The prank escalates into war hysteria, causing chaos.

Cultural Focus:

The film provides a satirical take on the military and the Balkan region’s complexities. “Karaula” explores themes of secrecy, panic, and the absurdity of wartime preparations in a darkly comedic fashion.

4. Crna mačka, beli mačor (Black Cat, White Cat, 1998)

Synopse:

Directed by the renowned Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, “Crna mačka, beli mačor” (1998) is often considered one of the best Serbian films of all time. The story unfolds around Matko, a small-time hustler living along the Danube River with his 17-year-old son, Zare. After a failed business deal, Matko finds himself indebted to the formidable gangster Dadan. In a desperate bid to avoid repayment, he offers Zare as collateral. Dadan, eager to arrange his sister Afrodita’s marriage, forces Zare into an arranged union. However, Zare is in love with Ida, and Afrodita awaits her dream suitor. This uproarious and heartfelt film explores the chaos and charm of human relationships against the backdrop of the Danube.

Cultural Focus:

Emir Kusturica’s “Crna mačka, beli mačor” is a testament to the director’s storytelling genius. The film encapsulates the essence of Balkan culture, vividly portraying the region’s colourful characters, chaotic weddings, and the fusion of superstition and daily life.

5. Klopka (The Trap, 2007)

Synopse:

“Klopka” (2007) is one of the best Serbian films ever made, a cinematic tour de force that deftly combines various genres but ultimately emerges as a gripping noir, offering an unflinching look at Eastern European society’s true face. Set in post-war Serbia, the film revolves around an ordinary couple faced with a harrowing decision concerning the fate of their child. As they grapple with this moral dilemma, they become embroiled in a series of events that reveal the harsh realities ordinary people endure in the Balkans.

Cultural Focus:

This poignant film serves as a mirror reflecting the struggles of regular people in the Balkans, where individuals must contend with societal expectations and make difficult choices. “Klopka” offers a sombre yet compelling exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of post-war Serbia.

6. Šišanje (Skinning, 2010)

Synopse:

In the aftermath of the conflicts that defined the 1990s in Serbia, a sense of disillusionment gripped a generation of young men left adrift by the ravages of war. For many, football emerged as a refuge, but it also gave rise to a troubling issue – right-wing football hooliganism. This enduring problem finds a stark portrayal in Stevan Filipović’s unflinching 2010 film, “Šišanje”. The narrative centers on Novica, a talented yet socially awkward high school student. Faced with the allure of acceptance and the romanticisation of violence, Novica finds it increasingly difficult to resist the pull. “Skinning” offers a raw and unvarnished depiction of this challenging reality, refusing to romanticise any aspect of it.

Cultural Focus:

“Skinning” delves into the unsettling underbelly of Serbian society, where disillusioned youth turn to violent football hooliganism for a sense of belonging. The film provides an unapologetic glimpse into the dark and uncomfortable aspects of this social issue, shedding light on the struggles faced by a generation scarred by war.

7. Krugovi (Circles, 2013)

Synopse:

The tragic murder of Serbian teenager Srdjan Aleksić by Bosnian Serb soldiers in the town of Trebinje during the Bosnian War is a well-documented and deeply emotional story. The aftermath of this heart-wrenching event unfolds in the exceptional 2013 film “Krugovi” (Circles), one of the best Serbian films ever made. The film weaves three interconnected stories, all rooted in the murder of Aleksić. While any movie based on a true story from the Bosnian War is inherently challenging to watch, “Circles” distinguishes itself through its stark yet emotionally resonant storytelling.

Cultural Focus:

“Circles” confronts the harsh realities of the Bosnian War and its enduring impact on individuals and society. The film provides a powerful exploration of the consequences of violence and the quest for justice, offering a poignant and unfiltered perspective on a deeply tragic episode from the region’s history.

By immersing yourself in some of the best Serbian movies of all time, you not only gain insights into the rich cultural tapestry of Serbia but also the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the sounds and nuances of the Serbian language. Watching these Serbian films can be an engaging and immersive way to enhance your language-learning experience, allowing you to understand the cadences, expressions, and linguistic intricacies that are unique to Serbian.

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The 15 Best Serbian Movies of All Time

The history of Serbian cinema dates back to the Yugoslav period, and it is heavily influenced by the Yugoslavian cinema. In fact, it is important to draw a clear line between the two periods and decide on the beginnings of the Serbian cinema.

Therefore, due to the numerous changes of the name and territorial changes that led to the disintegration of the country, this list will include only movies that are made after 1990, as they are considered a part of Serbian and not Yugoslavian cultural heritage.

Some of the classics of the Yugoslav cinema that made huge influence on the Serbian culture, such as “Ko to tamo peva?” (“Who’s Singin’ Over There?”), “Balkanski špijun” (“Balkan Spy”), “Maratonci trče počasni krug” (“The Marathon Family”), and others (most of them written by the legendary playwright Dušan Kovačević) will NOT be included in this list.

Speaking of the 90s in Serbia, it is important to know that a great deal of movies made both in that period and after the 2000s deal with the topic of war, its consequences on the country and people afterwards, and the period that led to the war itself. Therefore, this list will focus mostly but not exclusively on these kinds of movies.

Apart from the topic of the movies, the main criteria that is used for the choice of the titles on this list is the influence the movies made on Serbian culture and language. It is important to know that once a movie gets the status of a cult movie among Serbian people, it is used in the everyday life of every average Serbian.

A typical example of this phenomenon is the aforementioned Yugoslavian movie called “Who’s Singin’ Over There?“ and the line “Vozi Miško“ (“Drive, Mishko“), which is nowadays uttered whenever someone should start driving.

The third criteria used for this list is the artistic value (directing achievement, performances, editing, etc.). Directors such as Emir Kusturica and Srđan Dragojević, as well as the playwright Dušan Kovačević, are all still alive and well and created masterpieces both before and after the disintegration of Yugoslavia. Their movies are highly appreciated worldwide for being able to present the typical Balkan mentality and the problems that have been bothering these lands for a long time.

15. Promise Me This (2007)

Kusturica’s work, however appreciated around the world, has become quite repetitive – the style utilized by this director is original but it has not changed much in the last two decades, thus resulting in the general drop of quality of his movies. Regardless of this fact, “Promise Me This” (“Zavet”) still managed to become a part of this list, meaning that even his unpopular works deserve huge respect.

“Promise Me This” tells a story about a boy who was sent on a quest by his granddad. His mission was to go to the nearby city, sell the cow, and find a girl to marry.

On his journey, he comes upon various characters, some of which are prototypical for Kusturica’s movies – the mentally unstable people, pimps, cocaine addicts, hookers, and of course, flying people. Furthermore, the film is also filled with other trademarks of Kusturica’s work, such as a lot of gunpowder and explosions, some deliberately disturbing yet hilarious scenes, nudity, and animals.

The main theme of this movie is the rural versus the urban. The boy is a pure soul from the village, unspoiled by the evils that lurk in the city. Often these evil things are a result of the Western influence on the Balkan’s culture in traditions that result in monstrous deeds and characters who are not in their right minds.

The movie did not made a significant influence on the culture in terms of people remembering snappy one-liners; instead, it was the music, written by Kusturica’s son Stribor Kusturica, which penetrated into the Serbian music opus, played in kafanas.

14. Huddersfield (2007)

“Huddersfield” was originally a play written by Ugljesa Sajtinac and performed in Belgrade for a few years before being adapted into a movie. The movie never actually achieved popularity, but it gained the status of a cult movie because it is character-based and the characters in it are simply modeled for the Serbian audience to like them. Of course, if it were not for the brilliant actors, especially the talented Nebojša Glogovac, the movie would not be half as appreciated.

The story revolves around a 30-year-old local radio host and literature critic named Rasha, and his social circle that includes his alcoholic father, a mentally-ill neighbor, his teenage student/girlfriend, and a couple of his friends.

The barely idyllic life that Rasha leads, conflicting with his father and his friends, is even more disturbed by the arrival of his friend Igor who has been living in Huddersfield for more than a decade. They organize a meeting of their high school crew, which turns out to be a truly emotional encounter.

This is one of the several movies that tackle the life of generations after the Yugoslav war. They are depressed, without ambitions, prone to alcoholism, and mentally unstable. However helpless, their strength is found within the emotional barriers broken by the arrival of Igor and their discussion about life.

Despite the fact that the story seems tragic, it has fantastic elements of comedy, native to the Serbians and widely accepted by the masses. Josif Tatic, who portrayed the alcoholic father, did it so brilliantly that many believe he was severely intoxicated during the shooting (he was an alcoholic and several of his last roles were drunkards).

13. Seven and a Half (2006)

Both written and directed by Miroslav Momcilovic, a script writer of the newer generation who had a few really innovative and moral-questioning works, “Seven and a Half” is a story about seven deadly sins and how they are utilized in contemporary Belgrade. Just like “Huddersfield”, it is a tragedy of one people, cleverly dressed with the clothes of comedy. The title itself is a pun to the Federico Fellini’s masterpiece “8 ½” .

There are seven separate stories, each focusing on one deadly sin. All of them happen in contemporary Belgrade and the only element that connects them are a few minor characters. The stories all differ and some are better than others in terms of narrative and acting performance. The best story features Nenad Jezdic as low-life upstart Adam going to a museum of art made of food with his girlfriend and ending up eating showpieces, only to find out that they were made of human flesh.

Although now a 10-year-old movie, it seems as though it’s fairly new and that it needs time before it settles down in culture and becomes a permanent part of it. Some of the characters are already defined as memorable, as well as some of the lines, such as the one regarding the philosophy of a bodybuilder “Masa je mama!“ (“Mass is the thing!”), pinpointing the importance of constant muscle mass growth.

The best word that describes not only this movie, but the whole generation of movies that deal with war, is tragicomic. This kind of resembles the mentality of the Serbian people and them being fed up with unstable politics and their turbulent history.

12. The Tour (2008)

Goran Marković is one of the best working Serbian directors, often being in the shadow of the boisterous Kusturica. Over his long career, he directed more than 20 movies, each highly appreciated by both Serbian and European cinema critics. “The Tour” is one of his latest works, but it is not arguably his best work. However, it tackles the topic of war and the 90s from a very interesting perspective – the perspective of theater actors.

A group of Belgrade theatre actors are sent on a mission to war-torn Bosnia to perform their best pieces for soldiers fighting on the front. On their journey, they come upon a number of people of different ethnic backgrounds – Serbs, Bosnian Muslims, Croats. The irony of it is that they are all well aware of who the actors, are because they gained their popularity throughout all the Yugoslav republics before the civil war.

The important topic covered by this movie is actually not the war but the ignorance of those fighting in it. This is illustrated by a scene where a border soldier who took their passports asks for Jawaharlal Nehru to step out of the vehicle. This is followed by one of the actors quietly uttering that it is the name of the residence of one of the actors.

The best and most memorable performance, which brought this movie to this list, is the one by Sergej Trifunović portraying Arkan, the Serbian war criminal who liberates the actors from Croatian soldiers and then makes them watch as the Croatians go down the minefield.

11. Sky Hook (2000)

“Sky Hook” is a film about the 1999 bombing of Serbia, which was made immediately after the war. It was directed by Ljubiša Samardžić, who was well known for more than 100 roles at the time but who had never directed a movie before. This is rather visible, not only due to his inexperience, but due to the movie’s extremely low budget.

The story follows Kaja, portrayed by Nebojsa Glogovac, who tries to rebuild a basketball court that was destroyed by one of the NATO air assaults in 1999. Apart from that, he has a supposedly autistic son who stopped talking as a consequence of the bombing. What all the people share in the movie is the love for sports, especially basketball. They all see it as a way to get out of the depressing reality filled with shelters without electricity, debris of nearby buildings, and the roaring of NATO airplanes above their heads.

This movie is very important for Serbian cinema and its people, not because of any kind of artistic achievement (although score by Vlatko Stefanovski is arguably the best score in Serbian cinema). In fact, it means a lot to Serbia because it shows the ability to defy even the biggest superpowers with sport and positive energy.

It is not a coincidence that, during the period when the 90’s Serbian national basketball team won the most medals, it is the only period when they were actually better than a United States dream team. Sasa Djordjević, then player and now a manager of the national team, appears in some of the most touching scenes in the movie.

10. Frozen Stiff (2002)

Serbian writers and directors tend to have immense love for dark humor. It all started with “The Marathon Family” – this idea that one can make a funny movie about death and it can achieve immortal status among film lovers. The movie “Frozen Stiff” is one such project, which succeeded big time. The director and the writer of this film, Milorad Milinković, is one of those people who tries to keep up spirits with directing comedies instead of focusing on the dark past.

It is about two brothers, Lemmy and Kiza, portrayed by Nenad Jezdic and Srđan Todorović, respectively, who need to transport their dead grandfather from Belgrade to Vršac by train. Being poor, they decide to dress him up and sit him among passengers, telling them that he is asleep.

The dead granddad’s adventures only begin here, when the brothers leave the train and the passengers suddenly “kill“ the sleeping grandpa, who is thrown out the window afterwards. The story’s pace is more or less the same – the dead body goes on an unexpected quest while the brothers desperately try to find it.

If this movie was shown to someone from outside the Balkans, it would probably be considered a B-class thrash failure of a movie. Even many critics in Serbia think that it could have been realized much better. Regardless of that fact, the characters of the movie are so lovable and memorable that the movie gained instant popularity in Serbia, and the young cast did a really good job, making the audience laugh all the way through to the end.

9. Tito and Me (1992)

“Tito and Me” is another gem by well-known director Goran Marković. In fact, this is one of his best works and many critics believe that he achieved the peak with this movie. Dimitrije Vojnov is a 10-year-old boy who played the narrator and the protagonist of this movie, which bought him immense fame among the people of Serbia. Interestingly enough, he became a great scriptwriter (“Montevideo”, “Bog te Video”, “Sisanje”), but he never had a role as big as his debut.

The film shows how a 10-year-old naive child sees Tito as his superhero. Although his family is anti-communist, he still manages to write the best poem about Tito in school and win a trip to Tito’s hometown, together with an older girl who he likes and other great students.

What follows is a typical coming-of-age story. What makes the movie different from other coming-of-age movies is how politics is present in Zoki’s narration. Although unaware of who Tito really is, Zoki mentions him constantly as a way to overcome adversity in life.

The movie is important for both Yugoslavian and Serbian cinema as it explains the communist propaganda and how children were brainwashed back in the day, idolizing Tito and Yugoslavia. Furthermore, the somewhat strained relations between people of different ethnicities that led to the breakup is also a topic of “Tito and Ja”, and the director masterfully presented one age and its positive and negative aspects through the eyes of a kid.

Apart from the inevitable talent of then young Dimitrije, most of the actors in this movie are now considered legends of Yugoslavian / Serbian cinema.

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