Before the Rain (1994) was the first feature made in the newly declared republic of Macedonia, part of the former Yugoslavia. It was also the first Macedonian film to be nominated for an Oscar.
Director and writer Milcho Manchevski compared the circular dramatic structure of Before the Rain (1994) to Dutch graphic artist M.C. Escher's drawings and called it "an optical illusion in time."
Many viewers are taken by the "optical illusion in time." Before the Rain appears to have a circular nature, with Part 2 chronologically first, followed by parts 3 and 1. But, on closer inspection, some events from Part 1 precede events in Part 2 (in her London office, Ann looks at photographs of Zamira's death). This playful aspect of the film was meticulously and intentionally developed in the script. It reflects on the film motto: The Circle Is Not Round.
The New York Times writers Vincent Canby and Janet Maslin included Before the Rain (1994) in their book 'The New York Times Guide to the Best 1000 Movies Ever Made' published in 1999.
The spectacular monastery in Part 1 (Words) is actually a composite of five different monasteries across Macedonia. The beautiful church on the cliff overseeing the lake was filmed in two 14th century locations (interior and exterior). The finale was shot on two different locations, a month apart: the scene of Alexander death was first filmed under a solitary tree on a hill near Prilep, and then, a month later, the reverse angle, looking at the sheepfold was filmed near Stip.