Southern Chronicles

A true masterpiece emerging from lithuanian film production! From the first seconds it took me straight to the middle of 90's era- where the main action takes place. It's the time of "wild west" period in an ordinary Lithuanian town. Corruption, unemployment, local crime, undergroud business- a reality of a post soviet era. In it's epicenter - a life of an ordinary local teenager Rimantas (Dziugas Grinys) who's trying to find himself and navigate his life through friends, parents, lovelife and his passion for rugby. Teamed with his best buddy "gezas" Minde (amazing performance by Robertas Petraitis) they both are fighting for their place under the sun.

If you feel nostaglia for 90's, love to have a good laugh and comming-of-age genre- this film is for you!

Pietinia kronikos might just be the first truly authentic Lithuanian coming-of-age film, evoking the spirit of J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. What elevates this movie to instant classic status is its exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship.

The casting is flawless - every character feels like they've been plucked straight from the 1990s. The art direction deserves special recognition for its meticulous recreation of the era: from the clothing and hairstyles to the cars and even the food. I discussed this with a few people who were young in the '90s, and the only noticeable anachronism we could spot was a blue leather jacket - a fashion item that simply didn't exist in early '90s Lithuania.

The soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly encapsulating the mood and cultural essence of the period. At its core, though, the movie owes much of its authenticity to R. Kmita's original story - a true coming-of-age tale that explores the struggles and complexities of youth without the sugary endings we've come to expect from Hollywood.

What makes Pietinia kronikos resonate so deeply is its humanity. Each character feels vivid and real, their stories relatable and unpolished, much like life itself. This is a film that doesn't just depict a time and place; it pulls you into it. For me, Pietinia kronikos is more than a movie - it's a window into a world that feels achingly familiar, a reminder of what it meant to grow, to struggle, and to live in 90s Lithuania.

Screenplay author made the flawless job - although the book containts lot's of important lines, there was no feeling that something is missed, the story line is perfect, there could be a sequel exploring those other lines. The picture is truly immersive. The content - R. Kmita created something so touching that you cannot look away. The movie touches you even you have already read the book. And both book and movie are splendid in their own sense.

The screenplay does not heavily explore the realities of 90-ies - it is explored thorugh work of the director and operator - picture, scenes. Characters made their best to be authentic - people, but from that era.

Enjoy!

Pietinia Kronikas is a nostalgic dive into the 1990s, blending drama with subtle comedy. The film's leisurely pace captures the essence of real life, portraying relatable, multifaceted characters rather than caricatures.

It paints a vivid picture of societal shifts and personal struggles during a pivotal time. The characters, though seemingly ordinary, possess depth and nuance, adding authenticity to the narrative. The film's humor, while understated, provides relief from the emotional weight, allowing moments of levity that feel grounded in the everyday.

The 90s aesthetic-rough, raw, and unpolished-gives the film a sense of realism that complements its slow-burn storytelling. It's not a fast-paced, plot-driven spectacle, but rather a thoughtful, character-focused exploration of life during a transitional era. Pietinia Kronikas is a slow yet satisfying reflection on the 90s, offering a snapshot of both individual and societal transformation.

It is indeed of the best lithuanian movies reflecting the culture of 90s. This was Lithuania back then. Main character is unexpectedly well played.

All the intellectual touches about literature, sports, sex, relationships and scenery of Siauliai is like a poem and a feeling expressed in a unique way. Story is easy to watch. Romance is sometimes with questions. Questioning the existence of the young person. Questioning why it was the way it was. Seaside at the end is truly a scene from my own life. Soundtrack is not boring. Scenery of boring apartament buildings is true reality in post soviet countries.