Bourek

A nifty film about cultural differences and how meaningless they really are. It's refreshing to see a multinational movie in our time of so much division. The movie references many other films, set in similar locales, or dealing with cuisine, blending them together with its own humor and panache. In the beginning, it takes a while for the movie to get on the road, but once it does, it becomes a pleasurable and ultimately uplifting experience.

Never written one of these but had to do it for this movie. A friend recommended Bourek, otherwise I would never know about it. It doesn't have famous actors, has subtitles and is unlikely to show up in your streaming queue unless you like Greek food. I decided to throw in my 2 cents in the hope you find it, if you need something to boost your spirit in these dark times. Now, if you're into flashy fast movies you might not appreciate it. It is on the slow side, like life on a Greek island. I was skeptical the first 30 minutes too but gradually the film got me under its spell. By the end I was literally grinning. And I don't like schmaltzy movies. They are usually too manipulative, you can see it from miles ahead. Bourek is not like that. The beginning with the news gave me a jolt. It was like watching real news today in this cursed 2020. As we follow one character, he leads us to the next, and the next, until they are all assembled on this magical island. The fabric of the stories is intricately woven, coming together in a life affirming allegory of humanity, restoring faith in life's beauty, like light illuminating darkness. And it's funny.

Funny, smart, beautiful and filled with light, "Burek" is a delight of a movie. The cosmopolitan cast is outstanding (especially the brothers Sergej and Bane Trifunovic). It is amazing how many characters and story lines intersect in the film, how the story unfolds, keeps interest and builds for the finale. Anybody who is familiar with that part of the world will also appreciate the subtext of the stories (and not only that part of the world, as two of the many leads are also British and American). Although there is quite a bit of ironic commentary in Burek, it is never mean-spirited, but genuinely funny. We laugh with with the characters, not at them. "Burek" is a film of hope and optimism - it will put a smile on your face.

The film is the equivalent of consuming Adaem's (the Turkish dude) merchandise, sitting back and watching the sunset over the sea. If you can't enjoy that, you have a problem.

Bourek is a solid indie production that takes you away from troubles into a different part of the world, just like characters in the film. It has drama, romance, humor and overall great interaction between international cast of characters performed by wonderful actors. Al Nazemian as Tarek shines in every scene he's in as poetic philosopher refugee who washed out on shore after falling off the boat. Also, brothers Branislav and Sergej Trifunovic are absolutely hilarious as Serbian brothers on vacation for a dollar a day. And last but not least Mari Yamamoto and Jason Grechanik portray couple in love and starving artists living their dream to perfection. Bourek is a Mediterranean dish that brings all these different characters together after turmoils they go through creating a family of sorts. Experience Bourek the film with your family whatever it might be.