Tito i ja

"Tito i ja" or "Tito and me" is beyond any doubt one of the best Serbian movies of all times. There are several reasons for such an opinion.

It's a comedy and satire shaped movie with a serious background story concerning the values in the post WW2 Yugoslavian society. Obsession with Marshall Tito, the undisputed ruler and the political system which follows his character is the main theme, seen through a child's perspective. The main character, a 10 year old boy Zoran from Belgrade tries to find himself between his divers family, friends, girls who he starts to notice and a communist regime which infiltrates all the life's pores. Love can be confusing and Zoran will discover that during the boy scout expedition to the Tito's native village Kumrovec. A convincing performance was also given by Lazar Ristovski (Comrade Raja), a party instructed delegate whose task was to plan and execute the expedition. The cynicism and narrow minded appearance of his character does represent the true state of the communist regime and it's impact on daily life.

"Tito i ja" is also the best and probably the last good work of Goran Markovic, who for reasons unknown utterly lost his common sense and creativity after this movie, and started making rubbish.

Narrated by the main protagonist - 10-year old Zoran, "Tito i ja" uses plenty of comedic tones, warm atmosphere," and almost takes shape of a family movie in order to poke fun at the cult of Tito in the former Yugoslavia and to pinpoint cracks and contortions in the Yugoslav society during the communist period. Young Dimitrie Vojnov gives a heartfelt performance as Zoran who was not only able to hold his own amidst all the peer pressure and propaganda, but actually effected people around him. In the supporting cast, Lazar Ristovski of the "Underground" fame got another outstanding role under his belt as a dogmatic "young pioneers" instructor driven to suicide by Zoran's unrealized nonconformity.

This is one of my favorite movies. Its amazing humor, excellent characters flawlessly brought to life by great actors, interesting, funny, yet serious and many-sided story is one of best Serbian movies ever. Zoran is chunky 10-year old living in a house which his parents share with his grandmother, and aunt and uncle. During the communism in Serbia, ruled by popular dictator,Tito, many homes were taken away from their owners. Zoran's family is, unlike most, against Tito's dictature. Zoran, however, sees Tito as his personal hero, as a great man. His learned in school that Tito is greatest man ever, and, for a kid, this propaganda was very believable. Zoran will, during a field trip learn more about his hero, without meeting him, of course. Yet, in order to understand the whole greatness, you have to know Serbian people very well, and know their temper. Only that way, this movies amazing humor will be understandable.

"Tito and I" is a very entertaining comedy. Although it touches on some serious issues such as political indoctrination and idolatry of communist leaders, I think the main point of the movie is not to make us think about these serious issues, but to laugh at them. Indeed, the movie gives the viewer plenty of reasons to be amused. It will be difficult not to enjoy it, trust me!

The cast includes two actors the I've seen in other Yugoslav movies: Miki Manojlovic (Underground and Black cat, white cat) and Lazar Ristovski (Underground)

Have fun!

This is among the best films I've ever seen.

The movie is a tribute to individuality. Zoran is a 10-year-old boy but he is his own man despite being surrounded by peer pressure and communist propaganda. There are so many quirks in his personality that one can't help but to like him.

It is the kind of movie that would not get made in Hollywood in a million years.