Gadjo délire, le livre des records de Shutka

In a small city in Macedonia, there are record holders, believe it or not. One man has the best collection of tape recordings, another one is the best vampire hunter for miles around. As the narrator of the film goes from story to story, one sees the indomitable spirit of a city in the former Yugoslavia, a city that is not exactly prosperous but is rich in color. From the gentleman who has the most suits to the septegenarian with a toddler son, here is a telling of the weird and mundane tales that make life an adventure. This is just an okay movie at best, despite the diverse inhabitants of the town. Perhaps it is the script, as the stories keep coming, with no intersection and no pizazz. That is not to say that the film is unwatchable, only that the viewer may tire of the movie before reaching the end. For those of you who like offbeat films with an eye for the bizarre journey we call life, try to find this foreign film. One can even see a teacher showing part of the movie to her students, then letting them write their own "world records" for the classroom. But, as a landmark cinematic achievement, this one falls far short of its goal.

This one defies description. I can tell you it's a documentary on the Roma people, but think of it more as a series of sketches by real-life Borats. Yet, don't be misled into thinking it's some forced slapstick. It's utterly real, which makes it even more absurd and hilarious than Borat, while also giving it this intense humanity, a poignant warmth. It's one of the most disarming looks at human nature I've ever seen, exposing our frivolity and delusions without being mean, condescending or condemning.

For what it is - a partial look at the Roma community, focusing on their lovable quirks more than their faults - this movie succeeds brilliantly. Would recommend it unqualifiedly, without reservation.

No one has ever succeeded in putting the infectiousness of a mood on screen as Manic does, with his exhilarating and original documentary capturing the essence of Shutka, the Roma capital, where every man claims to be a champion. The documentary is a unique book of records, which tells us the story of people who fight with vampires, collect Turkish tapes, spend a fortune on circumcision of young boys just for show and, of course, party. The characters that Manic depicts in his documentary may be described as a very democratic group, where everyone is accepted the way they are: straight, gay, sane, insane. The documentary is highly charged with emotion, but is witty and funny at the same time. Must see!

I saw this film in the Cork film festival 2 days ago and it was by far my favorite. I was smiling the whole way through. Such a simple but effective idea, and despite how off the wall the characters are I think everyone knows someone like at least one of them. You also get a rare insight into the life of the Roma people. The fact that the narrator knows the people and the town personally makes the film more honest, and even though it's kind of satirical I think it was done in an affectionate way! It's amazing to see a place so close geographically and so far away in every other aspect. I actually want to go to Shutka now, and become a champion of something myself!:)

the shutka book of records.what a film,what a people.possibly the worlds best holiday destination,if u knew where it was.the wonder of roma life in all its weirdness.from champion vampire wrestlers to champion "dressers"to champion pigeon chuckers.watch it and love it,i've done it lots so i know.cannot quite work out whether this film is a comedy or documentary,it says it is both on the cover of the DVD,but whatever it is it is marvelous.a ramshackle gypsy city bursting energy and oddness.the women are beautiful the men are ugly,unless they dress the circumcision beds.the music of the wedding bands winds through it with its strange balkan modes and sinuous clarinets.i've looked and listened maybe ten times and i'll do it again.i hope you do.you will not regret it.i'd put it in my top ten.