Jagoda u supermarketu

Reading the other comments on this film I have to say I might view this film differently if I understood the current socio-political climate in Serbia or the mindsets of the peoples living there. While it had definite moments of social commentary and a few political digs thrown in, I watched this movie primarily as a commentary on what people are willing to go through to fit in and to stand up for the people whom they love.

These messages, and the style of the film, are really universal and accessible. It is easy to fall into this film and get caught up in the quirky, somewhat unlikely, and very endearing situations the characters find themselves in. While I can't address the political issues that previous reviewers mentioned, I'm really surprised that (in one review at least) the actors were criticized on their performances. There were no Shakespearian moments or performance of a lifetime here, but all the actors were brilliantly expressive and kept up a live-on-stage vibe the whole way through. The dialog was witty and well delivered; there's a great interaction between the crowd that gathers around the supermarket and the police who are trying to coax out the hostage-taker.

So, just what is this film about (no spoilers): Jagoda works at a new American-style supermarket. She doesn't really like her job (we don't blame her). "Just then" a guy with a rifle busts into the supermarket and starts taking hostages. We don't know what's up with this guy, is he crazy? ex-special forces? suicidal? Or all of the above? The "tension" builds up as the police, and a large crowd, gather outside. The situation inside goes from depressing to manic and everything along the way. It's quite a ride towards the final, inevitable showdown, where every character has a hand in the outcome.

This film is a quirky story that encourages you to laugh at the ridiculous situations life throws at you.

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.

JAGODA U SUPERMARKETU is all about ideology. The films focuses all its` energy in attempts to defamate globalization which is fine. The only problem is that it was made in Serbia where poverty and spiritual decay rule. Also, in such a state, Milic film claims that love can overthrow any pain and thet our only trouble is the fact that Americans are openning supermarkets.

Wrong! There is no love in decay. Decay is sickness not a state of grace.

When it comes to craft, which was supposed to shaded by ideology, let`s begin with screenwriting. Screenwriting is horrible. This film feels like a 1985 comedy that scored a BOMB in Maltin guide. The dialogue is vulgar and as many films before, it relies on vulgar displays of verbal wit.

Characters are flat and acting is weak since actors cannot create out of nothing. Also, Branka Katic, one of our major stars, is too old for this role even though she was a typecast. Problem is, she belonged in this type ten years ago, in 1992. Now, its` 2002/2003 and she must move on. Aging is not her problem. It`s all about the director who picks the cast of main characters.

Milic`s staging and editing are neat. Editing and cinematogralhy are top-notch when compared to Serbian standards. Of course, Emir Kusturica`s credit as producer means that this film was made on a budget. I hope Milic will rebound from this abyss because underneath piles of producer and festival inflicted compromise lays a talented craftsman that can make a solid picture given a good script.

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.

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.