Take Me Somewhere Nice

I will try to give a realistic critique of this movie. I believe that some of the negative things about Bosnia and Herzegovina in this movie can be irritating to someone who lives there. But I also live in Sarajevo and I watched the film at the 2019 Sarajevo Film Festival. It must be admitted that most things are presented exactly as they are. Many situations and sequences could make me laugh even. Of course, there are so many positive things in my country that have not been shown in the movie, as well as the negative. But the purpose of this movie is not a tourist presentation or something like that. There are a few things I don't like too, but however, every movie is fiction, right? Anyone who has watched multiple types of movies (not just usual blockbusters or savory telenovelas) knows exactly what I'm talking about. On the contrary with some of the comments written here, the landscapes in Bosnia and Herzegovina are presented quite realistically. One part is hilly, forested, green and a little wild (Bosnia).. Second part is rocky and dry but picturesque and with nice landscapes too (Herzegovina). Not sure what's in dispute about this?! The movie has great value in the way it is made. For me, that's the strongest side of this movie. The frames and photography are excellent. A lot of care was taken about framing. The acting is correct. In the movie, I recognize the influence of Aki Kaurismäki, Jim Jarmusch, maybe even Stanley Kubrick and David Lynch. The movie is not too long. it holds the attention all the time. Of course, I like some aspects of the movie more than others. That is why my rating is not the highest possible. Movie has been successful at many festivals, and I belive Director (this is her first feature movie) is probably ready for various criticisms which will help her in further work. Not perfect movie, but certainly worth the attention!

I loved so many shots and frames obviously elaborated in detail in this film. The pace is slow and nice, the play with the feeling of time is perfectly simulating the heaviness of the humid Bosnian summer. I loved how it's so clear how much attention to detail director had, which makes one really respect and appreciate her work, art selection, and all other small things that are about feeding the sensors. On the other hand, the story has suffered more than expected under this strong artistic vision, which is maybe common for debut films and wish to show so much, breaking the story to fit the eye-pleasing pictures, making it unnecessarily too plotty and expectedly "unexpected". But I am sure that with time, with such a strong talent for the visual and strong attention to detail, this director will grow into a known name of the European festival cinema.

Road movies don't necessarily need to cross the United States. This one is heading East or rather: cross-crossing the Balkans, or parts thereof. An exploration of a country, coming of age, and ambient landscapes. It reminded me of Lynne Ramsay's brilliant Morvern Callar (2002) somewhat, and that's good company. Not your typical road movie or coming of age story then, and a strong debut by Eni Sendijarevic.

I understand people from Bosnia are not much into it, but the same happens with Romanian movies too. I guess it's because they try to capture a story rather than facts. And I liked this story. I liked the way it was told, the acting and the characters. I don't regret for one second watching it, but I'm aware I can't find someone to recommend it to. My tastes are quite peculiar, and this is the word to describe Take Me Somewhere Nice. There's place for better, but that's a universal issue. Still, I love the setting, and even if it's not that accurate, I don't mind that. A great part of what Eastern Europe means was there. As a side note, from what I read, Bosnia sounds a lot like Romania. To conclude, I'd add it to my favourites list. One thing I didn't get. Where is she keeping her phone?

This films is shot beautifully, the director definitely knows how to use color and angles. I wish the story was as engaging as the visuals though. As much as I tried, and even after reading the director's comments about the film, I don't get the message behind it, and it's not appealing to me for numerous reason. The character study is interesting, but not enough. It's a good film, just not my kind of film