Review
by Moyra J. Bligh originally written for the "John
& Delenn Site"
From the acclaimed Yugoslavian director Emir Kusturica (Underground, Time
of the Gypsies, Do You Remember Dolly Bell?) this film was the winner of the
prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1985 and was also one
of the Oscar nominees that year for Best Foreign Film. Billed as "a very
human comedy" this film also has its dark side, and some interesting insights
into life in Tito's Yugoslavia. Set in the early 1950's, just after Tito's
breakup with Stalin, it is a very confusing and dangerous time to be a
hard-core Yugoslavian communist. This film also explores (as so many of the
Yugoslav films do) the theme of brother fighting brother.
Mira plays "Ankica," the hero "Mesa's" mistress, who on an outing with
his brother-in-law makes a casual, or perhaps not so casual, remark about
something her lover opined to her regarding a newspaper cartoon. This sets
in motion the events, beginning with "Mesa's" arrest, that drive the plot of
the film. The story is told from the perspective of his young son "Malik,"
who is convinced that his father is simply away on business, even though the
adults are all well aware of the truth.
"Ankica" is not the lead role in this film, although it is a significant
one and Mira has a goodly amount of screen time. She is, as they describe
her, a good communist (but not a good girl) and also an athlete and a pilot.
The final scenes between "Ankica" and "Mesa" are compelling in their
brutality and skillfully executed by both actors, and Mira has near the end,
one of the funniest and yet most tearful moments in the film. She'll break
your heart yet again.