Gruntovcani

Gruntovcani is sure the best tv-series ever made in Croatia. It describes the life of Dudek and Regica in a small village at the end of nowhere. Dudek is not quite intelligent, so he faces a lot of troubles in which he gets into with help of his "friendly neghboors who want the best for him and his wife". Many humouristic scenes and dialogues, a revolution in a communistic production in Croatia in the 70ies. Although it is hardly to be understood for people from other, more developed countries, it will be always my recommendation for all who understand Croatian and like good entertainment.

One of the best, if not the best, Croatian drama series. A story about the hard times and the people of rural Croatia who had to face them. Everything in the show was close to perfection, the language, the locations, the mentality of the people. So authentic that this series is a national treasure for all of Croatia, and especially Podravina and the rest of northwestern Croatia. A touching story of a poor, naive man who s always trying to do the best thing but just has no luck. A masterwork for all ages. Worth seeing again and again. Great editing, camera, script, makes this one not only a culturally significant work but a true masterpiece of film art.

A terrible series, just like its prequel Mejasi. The people who filmed both series didn't have the necessary material for part 1 and now they decide to make part 2? Its a copy of Mejasi but in color now. "Mejasi" is terrible, just like this series. AVOID THIS!!!

Why no one has mentioned the director of series, Kreso Golik who is the most deserving man for the series' worthiness. He was so ingenious director that everything he made was the best in former Yugoslavia. So Gruntovcani is the best series in former country ever made, after them is also a great Golik's work named Dirigenti i Muzikasi, after them both is a large emptiness, and then fallow other Croatian, Serbian, Bosnian and Slovenian series. No one has depicted and played rural men and life so authentically... every detail. In addition to, these characters are so universal that, I am sure, the series can understand and love people all over the world.

Describing the life of a "simple" man Dudek in a small village, Gruntovcani manages to deliver the best production ever in Croatia or, IMHO, former Yugoslavia. Character portrayal is excellent, the plot is always interesting and (although one can always guess how's it is going to end for Dudek) full of unexpected development.

Several actors came up with their best roles in career, namely Martin Sagner as Dudek, but also unforgettable Zvonimir Ferencic as Cinober and Mladen Serment as Presvetli.

A highly recommended piece, although sometimes hard to understand except for those accustomed to the "kaj" dialect. At most times it is a comedy, but many a times it is very deep in describing human behavior, from good to bad. When one takes into account the time it was made, Gruntovcani is sometimes a brave piece as well, often discretely criticizing the communist regime of the time.