Jagoda u supermarketu

Good movie.

Perfect way of introducing both funny sides of the anti Americanism, and parasitic American immigrant 'investors' in Novi Beograd (not very successful urban idea regarding that part of Belgrade)…resulting in the best possible resolution in the movie. After all political turmoil, the aftermath of free trade, and facelessness of Super-American-Market had to result in something very tragicomic. Fortunately, there's love…perfectly blended the way Kusturica would do. I love this move, and the music, and the entire selection of actors. I personally saw few of those supermarkets, and this movie is like satisfaction. Honestly, I had fun watching this movie. Branka Katic is awesome actress, and if nothing else…you will definitely fall in love watching her performance.

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".

While this is by no means an incredible film, one must appreciate that it's much better fare than most romantic comedies. I disagree with the perception of the film as a justification for the Milosevic years. In my opinion, it presents the view that the old leaders had their problems, and that people must be careful to ensure that new problems don't develop. It's ridiculous to assume that condemnation of the present necessarily implies glorification of the past.

The acting is great, with Jagoda and Marko coming across as absolutely hilarious. The choice of the Clash's "Lost in the Supermarket" was divine, and the brass rendition of it throughout the film adds to the football pitch atmosphere outside of the supermarket. A delight for non-Yugoslav film goers and the more initiated alike.

This is a really funny movie. It really is. An assessment after ten years ( a bit more) is that this is a lightweight comedy with minimal political points that is really very enjoyable. Is it Battleship Potemkin? No, of course not. But it is FUNNY. When it's funny, it is really funny. I laughed a lot in this movie. There is some wordplay that the Western subtitled version misses, of course, but it's still really amusing and at times, sweet. It reminds me of HIGH FIDELITY at times, with it's bringing together people. This is one of my favorite Serbian movies. Oh my god, the grandmother, the old veteran with his Kinder Eggs... the expatriate 'Serb' running an American supermarket in a culture she knows nothing about... The electric-eye doors, the assault on the senses that the Supermarket is! Too funny.

Oh: "I'm Falcon, not Chickenhawk!" Funny, funny stuff.

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.