Martesa

Kosovar Director and Scriptwriter Blerta Zeqiri won the Black Nights Film Festival (2017) Award for Best Director and Feature Film for "The Marriage". Thus, "The Marriage" is Kosovar's official 2018 Oscar entry. Bedim (Alban Ukaj) and Anita (Adriana Satoshi) are childhood lovers soon to marry. When Bedim's male ex-lover Nol (Genc Salihu - Kosovo's #1 musician) drops back into his life, their past history soon become a tangled web for all three. Director Zeqiri manages to successfully intertwine several storylines here, that of Anita trying to figure out her fiancé's relationship with his old friend, Anita trying to find her place in life while see waits to see if her missing parents have been killed by the Serbes, and the continued struggle that many Kosovar LGBTQ citizens must endure which leads them to marry opposite sex partners in order to survive. What stands out here is that while all the main characters are struggling to identify with who they really are, as an audience, we can relate with each and want each to find what makes them full. I don't know if this type of film will find Oscar success, but you can't go wrong with the tangled love story, terrific acting and interesting relationships presented.

A heartbreaking, yet realistic exploration of fear, supression, and love. The characters are intriguing, with realistic motivations and emotional baggage that determines their decisions and ultimately their futures.

Almost 40 years in unable to connect to this ...not at all realistic and switched off after 15 ... researchers do not appear to have maybe done s more inclusive inclusion .,, not worth watching.

Bleak visuals, a little slow at times, but decent acting. Some of the flashbacks were confusing, but eventually we learned that the two leading male characters were gay and in love. My favorite part was when the gay guy who was getting married showed how he could NOT NOT love his former boyfriend. He would have taken a bullet for him, but ironically, he couldn't shake family and cultural expectations. The ending scene at the airport showed how torn he was.

This is beautiful story albeit very sad a the main characters, but its an inside look an an Albanian love story that seems torturous for both the main male leads. It's society's pressure against ones true self. This film was the Albanian entry to the Academy Awards and i would have loved to see it win for it is that good. Fantastic acting, absolutely gut wrenching and authentic. The story sets the setting for what seems like the reality of eastern europe against the backdrop of an impossible love. I could have watch this film for two more hours after the ending for I have hoping for the best for both Not and Bekim after the marriage, but I guess sometimes in life you can't have it all. Highly recommend this film. Beautifully done and well deserving of any accolades it gets.