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First a few facts: this film was based on a true story so the director had a rather demanding task to balance between the facts and fiction in a way that wouldn't lead to clichés and stereotypes. In my opinion, he did the job quite successfully. The film is definitely not a master piece, but it's interesting enough. It brings a rather strong message about the Holocaust without the horrifying images that we're generally used to seeing in similar films and documentaries. Primarily, this is a film about the invincibility of a human spirit! The viewers can sense this through the eyes and voice of Lea Deutsch, an extremely popular Jewish kid actress in the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb, whose great misfortune was that her career started to flourish shortly before the outbreak of the World War Two.

Some Croatian critics made remarks that the director simplified the broader political context of the time, but I believe it's irrelevant for the story. This wasn't meant to be a documentary, and furthermore - people in Croatia are mostly familiar with this dark episode of their history, while others can simply google it if they need more information.

However, the film itself contains some good and some weak points. The good points are the scenery that looks slightly artistic, there are a few unexpected reversals, the plot even touches the fate of gay people in the Nazi regime and the action is generally fast-moving. I didn't like all the actors, but three of them were really persuasive in their roles: young Klara Naka who plays Lea Deutsch, Sebastian Cavazza and Zrinka Cvitešić who have strongly portrayed Lea's parents without being pathetic. Vedran Živolić was also great as Tadija. Some other actors were slightly irritating, on the other hand. In my opinion, the weakest point is the Innsbruck part, with old Darija hearing Lea's voice in her head. Personally, I would have left it out.

Overall, I felt like the film was missing the secret ingredient for stronger emotions and compassion, but as I had said previously, this would probably lead to stereotypes, which the director clearly wanted to avoid.

It's difficult to rate such a film objectively because it deals with an ongoing social issue that brings a rather bitter taste to the viewers. On the other hand, my opinion is that even the bitter taste is better than no taste at all - as it's often the case with the Hollywood type of films. In addition to that, I would recommend this film to all those who are fond of European cinema and who like to to feel something deeper while watching. If you're in search of a film that would merely entertain you, then "Just the Wind" might not be the best solution.

The thing I liked best in the film was the atmosphere. From the very beginning to the end, I constantly felt as if I was near the main characters - sensing their steps in the fields, their paths through the forest, their thoughts while being quiet, the uncomfortable fears of what might happen next. Although the film atmosphere is mostly awkward and unpleasant, it makes you feel as if you were in the Roma family's shoes. It seems more realistic than artistic, but also makes you think afterwards!

I also have to refer to another review on this site: I don't think anybody would gain a negative image about Hungary just because of watching this film. Every country has its crimes and its dark side, and let's not forget this is a Hungarian film after all. It's courageous to shoot a film about the issue that still isn't solved in a society.

Instead of portraying the Roma as a group, which would probably bring up a broader debate to the plot, the director focused on 3 individuals, making you sense their humanity. I believe this is the strongest and the most realistic message he could include. Direct political comments are left out, there are many silent parts of the film, which leaves every conclusion up to the audience.

First of all, don't expect any deeper meaning in the film! Just relax and enjoy the watching. It's a kind of a film you should choose for fun. Since it lasts for more than 2 hours, it is a huge plus how the director (Oliver Stone) keeps the viewers' attention in the plot. In addition to that, all the scenes are visually attractive and rather dynamic. There are few weak points in the plot, but they were probably designed so that viewers would sympathize with the characters more easily, which is especially evident with Ben and his volunteer work in the third-world countries. How else would anyone support a drug dealer in the film? In my opinion, the weakest link of "Savages" is Blake Lively, whose appearance seems slightly pale, but maybe it's because she was surrounded by actors who played really excellent and memorable roles, and here I'm talking about Salma Hayek and Benicio Del Toro in the first place, although other actors were good, too.