16 avaliações
The show faithfully weaves through the chaotic aftermath of assassination of prime minister Djindjic, following several viewpoints - the press, the police, the politicians and the criminals.
The production and camera work are both great and the actors are very convincing, nailing the speaking style of all protagonists and antagonists.
The main problem is the number of characters. There are so many, many names and characters it becomes hard to follow the various motivations and connections. I would say that Sablja requires significant previous knowledge of Serbian 90s and 2000's politics and the vast crime scene that held the country in it's grip to fully understand what's going on.
The show tries to tell it all and it's clearly aiming at the local audience, since they will have no problem identifying who's who. And more importantly, why.
The topic of Djindjic assassination has been explored in length in various documentaries and both the good guys and the bad guys are all household names in Serbia. And this may be what gets foreign viewers confused. Motivations for the assassination are very superficially covered and unless you're a history buff that followed the collapse of Yugoslavia, you'll be hard pressed to understand what is really going on here.
I think a shorter character list would've benefited the show and made it more accessible. But the Djindjic assassination is still a very touchy topic in Serbia and this being the first attempt at making a dramatized tv show about the events, it's understandable that the director didn't want to cut any corners.
The production and camera work are both great and the actors are very convincing, nailing the speaking style of all protagonists and antagonists.
The main problem is the number of characters. There are so many, many names and characters it becomes hard to follow the various motivations and connections. I would say that Sablja requires significant previous knowledge of Serbian 90s and 2000's politics and the vast crime scene that held the country in it's grip to fully understand what's going on.
The show tries to tell it all and it's clearly aiming at the local audience, since they will have no problem identifying who's who. And more importantly, why.
The topic of Djindjic assassination has been explored in length in various documentaries and both the good guys and the bad guys are all household names in Serbia. And this may be what gets foreign viewers confused. Motivations for the assassination are very superficially covered and unless you're a history buff that followed the collapse of Yugoslavia, you'll be hard pressed to understand what is really going on here.
I think a shorter character list would've benefited the show and made it more accessible. But the Djindjic assassination is still a very touchy topic in Serbia and this being the first attempt at making a dramatized tv show about the events, it's understandable that the director didn't want to cut any corners.
- inspektorr
- 8 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
Although there is clearly some 'artistic license' taken with certain historical facts around this assassination and the break-up of Yugoslavia, there was enough to make it worth watching. The acting is generally very good and the pace just right. Some characters were truly despicable and hard to digest, but unfortunately, there were, and are still, far too many of these goons still active. Seeing how secret militias and certain armed/criminal groups are able to control the ruling government and institutions is a warning that this is still going on and that similarities with certain current regimes are all too familiar. History does indeed repeat itself time and time again. A sad but true commentary on the state of politics and populations that accept this corrupt and despicable way of existing. Hard to watch at times but some important themes are presented. Solid series overall.
- catnapbc
- 29 de nov. de 2024
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- MisterMNL
- 2 de nov. de 2024
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This series can be enjoyable if we are not familiar with or don't care much about the real events that took place in Serbia. However, it is disappointing to see that many important political figures who played a direct role in the atrocities depicted in the series are entirely absent. These individuals are still active in Serbian politics today, making their exclusion even more noticeable. This omission raises questions about whether political censorship continues to play a significant role in shaping how these events are portrayed. It feels like an attempt to avoid addressing certain uncomfortable truths about the past. It's unfortunate that such a strong influence seems to persist.
- jovan_rosic
- 30 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
As an average viewer I cannot talk about the scenario, or acting or directing or the way the story was led. I can only say that I liked it even though me and my family and friends we were all feeling awfull after every episode.
Actually I cried after each of the episode. Why? This is a tale about my country and our failure as citizens of Serbia to build better society after Milosevics regime.
The assassination of our prime minister and the events that followed it in this series are not described like how it actually happened. (Documentaries exist for those who want credibility).
Sablja is, in fact, used just as a frame to explain and describe what is happening nowdays. The autors are depicting actions that contributed to a condition of an imprisoned state where we all in Serbia live in.
The main characters are carefully selected as a policeman, a criminal in the making (by not so odd consequences) and an ambitious journalist. They are the key for understanding when and how everything went wrong. Now it is up to us to decide what should we do with this sense of injustice and wether we should overlook fake licenses and literally bloody cash.
Actually I cried after each of the episode. Why? This is a tale about my country and our failure as citizens of Serbia to build better society after Milosevics regime.
The assassination of our prime minister and the events that followed it in this series are not described like how it actually happened. (Documentaries exist for those who want credibility).
Sablja is, in fact, used just as a frame to explain and describe what is happening nowdays. The autors are depicting actions that contributed to a condition of an imprisoned state where we all in Serbia live in.
The main characters are carefully selected as a policeman, a criminal in the making (by not so odd consequences) and an ambitious journalist. They are the key for understanding when and how everything went wrong. Now it is up to us to decide what should we do with this sense of injustice and wether we should overlook fake licenses and literally bloody cash.
- dzumandzy
- 24 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
So far, I have mixed feelings.
The production is excellent. The opening credits are impactful, and both the music and cinematography are high quality. Thriller elements are well-executed, intense and keep you engaged.
However, the story lacks courage and a critical edge, like it's been smoothed over to avoid bothering anyone.
I'm disappointed with how Vladimir Beba Popovic was portrayed. Some key figures as well as some of today's prominent politicians aren't even mentioned (yet) and their absence is noticeable.
The "Zemun clan" members aren't well introduced, so unless viewers are underworld experts, it's unclear who's who among the many characters. It's a bit confusing!
There are too many characters who show up briefly, don't get enough development, and then disappear completely. I think the story is too complex and needs more episodes.
Milica Gojkovic and Lazar Tasic deliver outstanding performances. Their acting is refreshingly authentic and deeply sincere. Dubravka Kovjanic is superb! This might be one of her career highlights. Ljubomir Bandovic is simply outstanding. Fedja Stukan is excellent. And yes, he is very handsome! Andjelika Simic is mesmerizing in her miniature and I hope to see more of her.
The production is excellent. The opening credits are impactful, and both the music and cinematography are high quality. Thriller elements are well-executed, intense and keep you engaged.
However, the story lacks courage and a critical edge, like it's been smoothed over to avoid bothering anyone.
I'm disappointed with how Vladimir Beba Popovic was portrayed. Some key figures as well as some of today's prominent politicians aren't even mentioned (yet) and their absence is noticeable.
The "Zemun clan" members aren't well introduced, so unless viewers are underworld experts, it's unclear who's who among the many characters. It's a bit confusing!
There are too many characters who show up briefly, don't get enough development, and then disappear completely. I think the story is too complex and needs more episodes.
Milica Gojkovic and Lazar Tasic deliver outstanding performances. Their acting is refreshingly authentic and deeply sincere. Dubravka Kovjanic is superb! This might be one of her career highlights. Ljubomir Bandovic is simply outstanding. Fedja Stukan is excellent. And yes, he is very handsome! Andjelika Simic is mesmerizing in her miniature and I hope to see more of her.
- kat_mne
- 12 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
- theofficialluka
- 25 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
The series tells a story through several fictional characters (though some of them display attributes of real-life figures) about the period and atmosphere in the country before and after the assassination of the Prime Minister. It brilliantly portrays that time and the connection between politicians, security services, and organized crime.
The era is described exceptionally well. Of course, not all real-life figures are included, but even this simplified version is a hot mess for those who didn't live through that period. It's important to consider that in reality, around 30 people were on the wanted list, and when you add the internal and external political dynamics, you get a chaos that cannot be fully depicted in a series.
Some fictional characters are designed to combine elements of multiple real-life individuals, which is a good approach to showcasing the values people stood for during that time.
It's an excellent series for those seeking a dramatic narrative. However, if you're looking for factual accuracy and detailed insights, it's better to watch one of the many documentaries on the subject.
The era is described exceptionally well. Of course, not all real-life figures are included, but even this simplified version is a hot mess for those who didn't live through that period. It's important to consider that in reality, around 30 people were on the wanted list, and when you add the internal and external political dynamics, you get a chaos that cannot be fully depicted in a series.
Some fictional characters are designed to combine elements of multiple real-life individuals, which is a good approach to showcasing the values people stood for during that time.
It's an excellent series for those seeking a dramatic narrative. However, if you're looking for factual accuracy and detailed insights, it's better to watch one of the many documentaries on the subject.
- jelenaflower
- 25 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
Despite having some masterful performances (Micanovic, Bandovic, Jasna Djuricic) and few fairly dramatic moments (even to those who've lived through the actual events of the show) - to show doesn't pack a punch is absolutely had to, and by the end of a very short series that feels rather rushed for the scope of the events it tries to portray - goes out with a whimper.
Not only do we have very basic 'get it over with' rendering of some of the most dramatic events in modern Serbian (even European) history and especially in the context of the show's title, but half way through the show we have considerably less believable and infinitely less dramatic fictional events taking over the show instead of actual, even fiction worthy stuff that indeed happened.
Fictional characters, amalgamated ones, were supposed the more relatable bridge into the often intertwined but largely foreign worlds of politics, organised crime, police and secret service etc. Instead, by episode 5 they become the whole focus of the story and actual events fall into the barely noticeable background.
To make things worse, out of three protagonists two are irredeemable and third is absolutely dislikable, insufferable even so watching their stories unfold seems like a chore, the most exciting one - the mafia kid, is the shortest out of three.
It came from the intent not to make universally despised mafia nor the politicians the protagonist of the show - an odd choice considering what the show is about, but it turned out to be bad idea and ended up completely moving the show away from the actual title operation 'Sabre' and into some random and generic fictional conspiracy involving equally fictitious and rather unremarkable characters.
In turn it turns a potent show into a generic mediocre crime drama that is never too bold or unpredictable. Simply put - not what we came here for.
Not only do we have very basic 'get it over with' rendering of some of the most dramatic events in modern Serbian (even European) history and especially in the context of the show's title, but half way through the show we have considerably less believable and infinitely less dramatic fictional events taking over the show instead of actual, even fiction worthy stuff that indeed happened.
Fictional characters, amalgamated ones, were supposed the more relatable bridge into the often intertwined but largely foreign worlds of politics, organised crime, police and secret service etc. Instead, by episode 5 they become the whole focus of the story and actual events fall into the barely noticeable background.
To make things worse, out of three protagonists two are irredeemable and third is absolutely dislikable, insufferable even so watching their stories unfold seems like a chore, the most exciting one - the mafia kid, is the shortest out of three.
It came from the intent not to make universally despised mafia nor the politicians the protagonist of the show - an odd choice considering what the show is about, but it turned out to be bad idea and ended up completely moving the show away from the actual title operation 'Sabre' and into some random and generic fictional conspiracy involving equally fictitious and rather unremarkable characters.
In turn it turns a potent show into a generic mediocre crime drama that is never too bold or unpredictable. Simply put - not what we came here for.
- VojkanR
- 5 de dez. de 2024
- Link permanente
At the beginning, I was hooked. The cinematography is good, there is some good acting, I like how Dragan Micanovic delivers the role of Zoran Djindjic.
I have also watched an interview with the directors, where they have explained bringing in the characters which don't exist in real life. They have hyped the show nicely, so I decided to give it a shot.
My first negative remark - the wrong choice of actor for the role of Legija. There is a lack of any physical resemblance, which could even be okay - if the tone of voice, mannerisms and the attitude were even remotely similar to the real-life Legija. This is not the case.
Then, the creators are also trying to send a message about Serbia's democratically elected and one of the most progressive politicians being murdered by the mafia - but the show is government funded. And the government is run by - well... Guess who. The mafia remaining even after the 'Sabre'.
Some parts of history are ignored on purpose, since the creators didn't want to make a fuss or get a lawsuit, others maybe because the Serbian national tv wouldn't really want to show them.
The last straw was a sudden change of character with one of the main characters - Boris, the police inspector. Not to spoil but - he makes a complete, nonsensical 180 near the end of the show, without enough previous motivation.
I have expected a lot from the show, and I have not been dissapointed by the acting, by the scenery and production (clearly a lot of money was put into this). However - the writing and parts of the casting, as well as the obvious censorship has dissapointed me.
Watchable, but wouldn't watch it again.
I have also watched an interview with the directors, where they have explained bringing in the characters which don't exist in real life. They have hyped the show nicely, so I decided to give it a shot.
My first negative remark - the wrong choice of actor for the role of Legija. There is a lack of any physical resemblance, which could even be okay - if the tone of voice, mannerisms and the attitude were even remotely similar to the real-life Legija. This is not the case.
Then, the creators are also trying to send a message about Serbia's democratically elected and one of the most progressive politicians being murdered by the mafia - but the show is government funded. And the government is run by - well... Guess who. The mafia remaining even after the 'Sabre'.
Some parts of history are ignored on purpose, since the creators didn't want to make a fuss or get a lawsuit, others maybe because the Serbian national tv wouldn't really want to show them.
The last straw was a sudden change of character with one of the main characters - Boris, the police inspector. Not to spoil but - he makes a complete, nonsensical 180 near the end of the show, without enough previous motivation.
I have expected a lot from the show, and I have not been dissapointed by the acting, by the scenery and production (clearly a lot of money was put into this). However - the writing and parts of the casting, as well as the obvious censorship has dissapointed me.
Watchable, but wouldn't watch it again.
- AtropaBd
- 23 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
A series with a lot of potential but ultimately failed to meet expectations. It could have been an incredibly important show, but instead, it ended up being just an ordinary series, similar to other productions by Radio Television of Serbia.
After an intriguing start, the story completely shifts towards imaginary tales of fictional characters.
This was a missed opportunity to portray real events, which are far more interesting.
So, you're left entirely at the mercy of the creators of the show, watching their made-up stories and characters. In my opinion, the storyline they came up with is below average.
Personally, I don't enjoy other series of a similar style produced by Radio Television of Serbia either. If you like Juzni vetar or Klan, then this might be the series for you. I, however, was expecting something more serious.
After an intriguing start, the story completely shifts towards imaginary tales of fictional characters.
This was a missed opportunity to portray real events, which are far more interesting.
So, you're left entirely at the mercy of the creators of the show, watching their made-up stories and characters. In my opinion, the storyline they came up with is below average.
Personally, I don't enjoy other series of a similar style produced by Radio Television of Serbia either. If you like Juzni vetar or Klan, then this might be the series for you. I, however, was expecting something more serious.
- ibekic
- 22 de nov. de 2024
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- srdjanantonic
- 3 de nov. de 2024
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Fake story with aim to abolish real conspirators and assasinators. Bunch of ridiculous side events and characters and absolute absence of people who were key figures of these events, persons that were directly involved in creation of entire political and social atmosphere, including current president of Serbia and some ministers that were (and still are) part of criminal clan. If an intention of authors was to make their "artistic" view, they should make story with imaginary characters and name it "cauliflower".
Whith this piece of rubbish, they became active collaborators who want to change or relativize facts, reshape the history, hide real conspirators and discretely promote assasinators with message: "crime does pay out" Operation Sabre is a tribute to the criminals.
Whith this piece of rubbish, they became active collaborators who want to change or relativize facts, reshape the history, hide real conspirators and discretely promote assasinators with message: "crime does pay out" Operation Sabre is a tribute to the criminals.
- draganizza
- 24 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
Not even nearly close to real story. Very very low quality show. The highlight is on criminal gang and not on the first role. This movie was done by the production that had guaranties by the government broadcaster and the government is autocratic president with its pretorians which all where related to real story in near past times and we can consider this story as a first class history cleaning and making winners write the story, but in this case winners are the bad guys as they executed the prime minister, and put the executors to a sentence but there was never an investigation about who ordered the murder and who was involved from the establishment.
- tfrnhkqwq
- 8 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
4 stars are for actor casting selection, acting and production of this drama. Good job on that, everithing else is way off of how it actually happend!
I found everything else as misleading for this history event with not enough information. If there where used only a few information and evidences from autopsies of the victims - this scenario would be a lot more close to the truth with much bigger drama and action impact which would be beneficial for the whole project.
Political background (domestic and foreign) at the time is covered poorly, evan though it was crutial for the assasination and later political path of Serbia.
Djindjic made actual patriotic stance from 2002 by forcing return of serbian troops to Kosovo, supporting Republika Srpska, not willing to support fake and selective international court in Hague by providing them military documentation from war - instead he insisted of indivitual responsibility for each war crime.
Prime minister (Djindjic) and his bodyguard (Veruovic) were shot with 2 different bullet calibers. Role of politician Jovanovic (who was a junkie and connected to the Zemun klan) is misrepresented at a big scale, except for one scene where he has been involved in decision making for catching Dusan Spasojevic.
Fake serbian patriots who are politically active evan today, were not thrilled to see Djindjic doing some actual work because they planned to monetize those topics for their own good not for the good of serbian people (which is cristal clear today in 2024). Also his stance was not aligned with plans of international political agenda's for the Balkans. If you check which companies outside of Serbia are supporting Sablja series - you will see who is controlling this whole process in the last 22 years. Fake patriots and international western politics agenda.
If the film crew wanted to present some truth to Serbian people benefit - they had to do some actual and extra work. They could start from the victim bodyguard Veruovic - but I am sure that wasn't allowed.
I found everything else as misleading for this history event with not enough information. If there where used only a few information and evidences from autopsies of the victims - this scenario would be a lot more close to the truth with much bigger drama and action impact which would be beneficial for the whole project.
Political background (domestic and foreign) at the time is covered poorly, evan though it was crutial for the assasination and later political path of Serbia.
Djindjic made actual patriotic stance from 2002 by forcing return of serbian troops to Kosovo, supporting Republika Srpska, not willing to support fake and selective international court in Hague by providing them military documentation from war - instead he insisted of indivitual responsibility for each war crime.
Prime minister (Djindjic) and his bodyguard (Veruovic) were shot with 2 different bullet calibers. Role of politician Jovanovic (who was a junkie and connected to the Zemun klan) is misrepresented at a big scale, except for one scene where he has been involved in decision making for catching Dusan Spasojevic.
Fake serbian patriots who are politically active evan today, were not thrilled to see Djindjic doing some actual work because they planned to monetize those topics for their own good not for the good of serbian people (which is cristal clear today in 2024). Also his stance was not aligned with plans of international political agenda's for the Balkans. If you check which companies outside of Serbia are supporting Sablja series - you will see who is controlling this whole process in the last 22 years. Fake patriots and international western politics agenda.
If the film crew wanted to present some truth to Serbian people benefit - they had to do some actual and extra work. They could start from the victim bodyguard Veruovic - but I am sure that wasn't allowed.
- allexeij
- 11 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente
The series shows the events of the assassination of the Prime Minister of Serbia and the police action that followed the assassination. The screenwriters of the series failed to deal with the real events that happened. The whole series shows the false truth of the events that the government and secret service wanted to present last 20 years.
I understand that it is not up to the screenwriters to solve the real background of the murder that was not proven in court, but they could have dealt with some of the controversial events that are still of interest to the public today.
The scene of the assassination of the Prime Minister is poorly shot and clearly shows that it was shot from a single sniper with two bullets fired. But evidence in court shows that shots were fired with two snipers of different calibers and witnesses speak of three shots where made. This is just one example showing that the same people who were probably involved in the assassination approved this series to be filmed.
However, we should not be surprised because the series was filmed with government money and premiered on main state television.
3 stars only because of the actors who manage to make this series at least a little interesting.
I understand that it is not up to the screenwriters to solve the real background of the murder that was not proven in court, but they could have dealt with some of the controversial events that are still of interest to the public today.
The scene of the assassination of the Prime Minister is poorly shot and clearly shows that it was shot from a single sniper with two bullets fired. But evidence in court shows that shots were fired with two snipers of different calibers and witnesses speak of three shots where made. This is just one example showing that the same people who were probably involved in the assassination approved this series to be filmed.
However, we should not be surprised because the series was filmed with government money and premiered on main state television.
3 stars only because of the actors who manage to make this series at least a little interesting.
- Ledjosti
- 11 de nov. de 2024
- Link permanente