Kruh in mleko

The movie is good. That would I say if I had only one sentence to say. But, further : - its length is short enough to concentrate on peoples emotions and that is the whole point of the movie - Jan Cvitkovic is naturely a genius! He has no formal education in making movies (the only experience to him was, I think, playing the main male role in "V leru" by J. Burger). - the camera is brilliant ; it haunts you with details

But, further : - it is not my favourite slovenian movie, unfortunately - my favourite is still "Balada o trobenti in oblaku" by France Stiglic

Although : - "Kruh in mleko" deserves a 9 plus out of 10!!!

They've qualified for their first World Cup, and the poshest ex-Yugoslav state can also boast one of Europe's rising-star directors: Cvitkovic barely wastes a frame as he brings in Kruh in mleko at a lean 68 minutes of monochrome.

Recovering alcoholic Ivan is sent by his wife to buy groceries. On his way back he bumps into an old pal and rapidly falls off the wagon, with catastrophic consequences all round.

Doesn't sound much like a comedy, but the disasters escalate so quickly and cruelly they tip over into crazy farce. Think Some Mothers Do 'ave Em, as written by Raymond Carver.

What can I say about the movie made in one of the richest country in Europe but on the other hand showing the poverty in it. Is it good?

Well from the artistic point of view its great. The little details, the dark b/w scene, the feelings that you share with the main characters, quite good acting performance,...No wonder it won the award in Venice.

But on the other sidey its a movie which is a little hard to watch. Firstly, it looks like it was made 20 years ago in Yugoslavia or any other Balkan country, but like I said, from artistic point, thats no problem, it's just hard to relate to, if you live in quite different society. Secondly, from time to time, there is a scene too much, although the movie last about an hour it seems longer.

All in all, maybe the critics think that this is the best Slovenian movie, but since it didn't touch me as for instance my no.1 choice from Slovenian cinematography - "Outsider", only

6 out of 10 (from art point of view 9 out of 10)

The second day of the 'European filmweek' in a nice cinema in Budapest, showed this film of which I can't pronounce the title. Potentially a nice film, a story that you might be able to work with, maybe especially in Slovenian context.

The first part of the film was quite good indeed, pretty good acting, nice music, so far so good. But then, after approximately 60 minutes they should have cut it, which of course they didn't. In the 8 minutes that were left they managed to spoil the hour before it. So, my advice would be: leave after an hour and you won't feel sorry.

Considered one of the best Slovenian movies of the last years, "Kruh In Mleko" just doesn't hold up to its reputation and fame. Directing that hardly ever reaches the viewer makes it quite hard to watch with the fullest attention and the dark story that turns into cheap childish preaching at the very end never get to their destination, so we can only comfort ourselves and say it was an artsy movie. Well, not the best consolation, but I have to at least give much praise to Mr. Cvitkovic's good script and the actors. They hold everything together and make the best out of every line they utter.

All in all worth the time because it's not long. 6/10