Jagoda u supermarketu

JAGODA U SUPERMARKETU is all about ideology. The films focuses all its` energy in attempts to defamate globalization which is fine. The only problem is that it was made in Serbia where poverty and spiritual decay rule. Also, in such a state, Milic film claims that love can overthrow any pain and thet our only trouble is the fact that Americans are openning supermarkets.

Wrong! There is no love in decay. Decay is sickness not a state of grace.

When it comes to craft, which was supposed to shaded by ideology, let`s begin with screenwriting. Screenwriting is horrible. This film feels like a 1985 comedy that scored a BOMB in Maltin guide. The dialogue is vulgar and as many films before, it relies on vulgar displays of verbal wit.

Characters are flat and acting is weak since actors cannot create out of nothing. Also, Branka Katic, one of our major stars, is too old for this role even though she was a typecast. Problem is, she belonged in this type ten years ago, in 1992. Now, its` 2002/2003 and she must move on. Aging is not her problem. It`s all about the director who picks the cast of main characters.

Milic`s staging and editing are neat. Editing and cinematogralhy are top-notch when compared to Serbian standards. Of course, Emir Kusturica`s credit as producer means that this film was made on a budget. I hope Milic will rebound from this abyss because underneath piles of producer and festival inflicted compromise lays a talented craftsman that can make a solid picture given a good script.

The movie is very simple, easy-going, a bit grotesque, and a bit melodramatic. And funny of course. Very suitable to watch once a year with your grandma if you have one. We have a supermarket in our town and, guess, the first time it opened (not so long ago, by the way), its alien atmosphere provoked people to behave in awkward ways. Now we are accustomed to such type of shops and the magic is gone.

The music is too loud sometimes and can cause headache. But that's all right. It is supposed to be fiery and hectic. The presentation of the events is quite childish and there will be no problem to watch it together with little children in a kindergarten.

7 out of 10. Thanks for attention.

A great mix of satire, slapstick, cheesy romance and sentimentality, this movie uses an unlikely scenario to deal with themes such as westernisation, alienation in modern living, and romantic love.

In all fairness, it doesn't really deal with any of them in any thorough way, but who cares? It's entertaining viewing. Its easy-going feel as a film is created by its low budget looking filming and sometimes acting, a feature that works as a plus, as the movie is not meant to be taken too seriously, though there are serious ideas in there. It's more a light hearted satire, for example, as the hostage situation gets underway, a small crowd gathers, soon growing into a large crowd with an uncanny similarity to a crowd of football (soccer) supporters. The makers use this crowd to represent the current popular opinion in Serbia, for example, when the police show up, they are boo-ed and insulted and called American backed puppets, the comedy element is added by the crowd chanting and clapping their insults as though at a game. Hard to explain, hilarious to watch.

So in that sense, the movie is as much theatre as it is cinema, with no real attempt to be taken totally seriously. Overall a well rounded if not silly script, I'd recommend this film mostly on its story telling forte.

Reading the other comments on this film I have to say I might view this film differently if I understood the current socio-political climate in Serbia or the mindsets of the peoples living there. While it had definite moments of social commentary and a few political digs thrown in, I watched this movie primarily as a commentary on what people are willing to go through to fit in and to stand up for the people whom they love.

These messages, and the style of the film, are really universal and accessible. It is easy to fall into this film and get caught up in the quirky, somewhat unlikely, and very endearing situations the characters find themselves in. While I can't address the political issues that previous reviewers mentioned, I'm really surprised that (in one review at least) the actors were criticized on their performances. There were no Shakespearian moments or performance of a lifetime here, but all the actors were brilliantly expressive and kept up a live-on-stage vibe the whole way through. The dialog was witty and well delivered; there's a great interaction between the crowd that gathers around the supermarket and the police who are trying to coax out the hostage-taker.

So, just what is this film about (no spoilers): Jagoda works at a new American-style supermarket. She doesn't really like her job (we don't blame her). "Just then" a guy with a rifle busts into the supermarket and starts taking hostages. We don't know what's up with this guy, is he crazy? ex-special forces? suicidal? Or all of the above? The "tension" builds up as the police, and a large crowd, gather outside. The situation inside goes from depressing to manic and everything along the way. It's quite a ride towards the final, inevitable showdown, where every character has a hand in the outcome.

This film is a quirky story that encourages you to laugh at the ridiculous situations life throws at you.

It could have been sharp comedy about globalization, one small Balkan country in transition, romance, confusion and charming local customs. Like making fun of police, taking any chance to organize demonstrations, taking any chance to make fun of Americans, globalization, recent Balkan history, current political situation and Serbian mentality. This combo is spiced by personal stories of main characters who turn out to be confused and lost in today's world. Main music theme, hilarious brass band cover of "Lost in Supermarket" (Clash) represents personal stories of Jagoda and Marko, who are both indeed "lost in supermarket". Sounds irresistible, considering the fact that cast has one of top Serbian comedy actors.

All of the above is shaded by "could have been". What this film really turned out to be is confused as main characters. But, while Jagoda and Marko seem to find their place in the world, this movie doesn't. It lacks dynamics and consistent story line. It's up to actors to shape and liven up the movie and they truly did their best. But it takes more then charming Branka Katic's smiles, hilarious facial expressions by Srdjan Todorovic or ruthless mockery of police forces to make great comedy.

While very idea is good, both writing and directing fail to meet quality of "it could have been" factor. Kudos to casting and production team who did their job with flying colors. Worth watching only if you are fan of Branka Katic, Srdjan Todorovic, Danilo Lazovic or local football champion "Red Star".