Tamo i ovde

I don't know what some of the reviewers above were referring to when they said that the film was slow-paced. It's a perfect pace for the story and the characters that drive it.

It's a character-driven narrative beautifully and economically done, in the true spirit of indie greats like Jarmousch or Wenders for example. And it's a story of values that are considered lasting worldwide, so with the clever interlacing of the New York and Belgrade story streams the two cities almost blend into one with love as the glue that binds them together.

The actors' performances are strong and memorable. If you like independent film you will enjoy this one, and it may even leave you thinking as well as engage you emotionally.

This is an OK film although it is quite slow-paced. The characters are undeveloped and the lack of chemistry between David Thornton (Robert)and Mirjana Karanovic (Olga) is painful to watch. The film is a step in the right direction when it comes to Serbian films, as there is no violence or hatred and the plot is interesting and realistic - people in Serbia really do resort to paying a foreigner to marry your fiancée, in order to make it possible for her to join you if you live and work in Western Europe or North America. However, this theme could have been exploited in a more interesting way. Also it does not do justice to Belgrade, where most of the film is set. Although certainly not the most attractive capital in the world, neither is it the grey, shabby place depicted in the film. Think of the impression one gets of Vienna watching 'Before Sunrise', or of Paris from 'Forget Paris'.

A movie like "Here and There" shows us just how good movies can be, even when they're made on a tiny budget. With a pitch-perfect cast (that includes Cindy Lauper!) and a script that hinges on a clever conceit, "Here and There" straddles the line between comedy and drama in the best indie fashion and delivers emotions that register on many different levels. The movie's script, about a depressed NYC jazz musician who finds himself stuck in Belgrade, Serbia, beautifully explores the different facets of it's protagonist's plight with humor, drama, a hard won humanism, and above all, a light touch that is never heavy handed. The film moves along briskly, whisking you away in it's narrative current, and before you realize it you're enmeshed in the character's lives and you're heart is beating along with them. Recommended for anyone in need of a good story told expertly or for anyone who thinks independent films are dead. Take a look at "Here and There" and you'll discover that they are alive and going strong. I'm sure Jarmusch would be proud of new writer/director Darko Lungulov who combines the tone and aesthetic of the indies with the wit and showmanship of classic Hollywood screen writing.

"Here and there", the debut of an immensely talented young Serbian director Darko Lungulov is a great example of the vast difference between indie and big budget disaster. Indie movies, even when they are off the mark, at least attempt to tell the human story or describe the age long hardship of living. Big budget movies are usually the exercise in non-existent creativity and homage to stupidity. Two worlds: Belgrade in transition and dumpy Queens are not as different as one would think.In both places people are desperately trying to survive and find a better life. Often their dreams are just that-dreams, light like a spider web and fragile like an eggshell. This is a real jewel of a movie, an immense pleasure to watch.

Lower east side NYC meets Belgrade. Several characters, all living with their own predicaments, cross paths. This film tells a special story with humor, suspense and a bit of quietly gritty style. There are subtle details, and a lot of heart. The actors ( Cyndi Lauper makes a great appearance ) are the best ! Darko Lungulov has this wonderful ability to describe an engaging story, while helping us to look at the characters with tenderness and a dose of reality. Lovely photography and direction. Bravo.