Drazen
- 2024
- 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
6.6/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
The narrative of Drazen Petrovic, a celebrated Croatian basketball player, highlights his personal life and unique character, emphasizing his deep, complex relationship with basketball - bot... Read allThe narrative of Drazen Petrovic, a celebrated Croatian basketball player, highlights his personal life and unique character, emphasizing his deep, complex relationship with basketball - both his greatest passion and his curse.The narrative of Drazen Petrovic, a celebrated Croatian basketball player, highlights his personal life and unique character, emphasizing his deep, complex relationship with basketball - both his greatest passion and his curse.
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Featured reviews
The movie portrays Drazen as a whole person, not just a basketball player. It reveals sides of him that many didn't know about, both good and bad. In my opinion, that is a major strength. While many expected only a series of basketball games, this film offers so much more (but it does, of course include basketball highlights). It explores his emotional connections with his family as well as his career. The relationship between his mother and him is incredibly moving, and his fight to even be allowed to start playing basketball is deeply inspiring.
I believe the vision for this movie was not only to pay tribute to this extraordinary player but also to show that he wasn't perfect. It serves as a reminder that, despite our flaws, we can still achieve greatness.
The final scene depicting Drazen's tragic death was extremely emotional, leaving a profound impact on the audience. It was so powerful that it brought many to tears, myself included. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile life is and the importance of making the most of every moment because you never know what could happen. It beautifully captures the shock and sorrow of losing someone so full of life and potential, leaving viewers reflecting on their own lives and the legacies they wish to leave behind.
In addition, this film is a step in the right direction for the Croatian film industry, which has struggled to really inspire. By blending emotional storytelling with a nuanced portrayal of a national hero, "Drazen" sets a new standard for biographical films in the region. It proves that Croatian cinema is capable of producing compelling narratives that resonate on a universal level.
Ultimately, "Drazen" isn't just a movie about basketball; it's a powerful story about ambition, resilience, and the complexities of human nature. It leaves a lasting impact, not only as a tribute to Drazen Petrovic but as a significant achievement in Croatian filmmaking.
I believe the vision for this movie was not only to pay tribute to this extraordinary player but also to show that he wasn't perfect. It serves as a reminder that, despite our flaws, we can still achieve greatness.
The final scene depicting Drazen's tragic death was extremely emotional, leaving a profound impact on the audience. It was so powerful that it brought many to tears, myself included. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of how fragile life is and the importance of making the most of every moment because you never know what could happen. It beautifully captures the shock and sorrow of losing someone so full of life and potential, leaving viewers reflecting on their own lives and the legacies they wish to leave behind.
In addition, this film is a step in the right direction for the Croatian film industry, which has struggled to really inspire. By blending emotional storytelling with a nuanced portrayal of a national hero, "Drazen" sets a new standard for biographical films in the region. It proves that Croatian cinema is capable of producing compelling narratives that resonate on a universal level.
Ultimately, "Drazen" isn't just a movie about basketball; it's a powerful story about ambition, resilience, and the complexities of human nature. It leaves a lasting impact, not only as a tribute to Drazen Petrovic but as a significant achievement in Croatian filmmaking.
It's hard to imagine a more uninspired take on one of the most inspiring athletes in history. "Drazen", a film that should have been a moving tribute to the "Mozart of Basketball," is instead a lifeless and shallow portrayal that does a disservice to its subject.
The film makes an effort to show Drazen Petrovic beyond the basketball court - through his relationships with his parents, his brother, and a love interest - but every attempt at emotional depth lands with a dull thud. There's no spark, no tension, no feeling. Scenes that are clearly meant to be heartfelt come off as hollow and mechanical, like emotional checkboxes being ticked off without any real understanding of what makes a human story compelling.
The romantic subplot in particular feels dramatically empty. The relationship unfolds with all the emotional intensity of a phone commercial, and ultimately adds nothing meaningful to the film or to our understanding of Drazen Petrovic as a person.
The direction is uninspired, and the script seems written by someone with no understanding of character, pacing, or storytelling. Even the most basic emotional beats fall completely flat. There's no sense of triumph, no heartbreak, no intimacy. Watching this film is like reading a Wikipedia entry aloud, only with worse writing and less insight. It's hard to believe that the life of such an electric, driven and charismatic figure could be turned into something so emotionally sterile. Credit (or rather blame) goes to the director and screenwriter, whose utter lack of vision and storytelling talent reduces an extraordinary life into a bland slideshow of facts.
With source material as rich and compelling as Drazen Petrovic's life, the failure to create a meaningful, moving film isn't just disappointing - it's astonishing. This was a chance to honour a cultural icon, a global talent, and a deeply human story. Instead, we got a film that feels like it doesn't understand or care why Petrovic mattered at all.
"Drazen" isn't just a bad film - it's a wasted opportunity of epic proportions.
The film makes an effort to show Drazen Petrovic beyond the basketball court - through his relationships with his parents, his brother, and a love interest - but every attempt at emotional depth lands with a dull thud. There's no spark, no tension, no feeling. Scenes that are clearly meant to be heartfelt come off as hollow and mechanical, like emotional checkboxes being ticked off without any real understanding of what makes a human story compelling.
The romantic subplot in particular feels dramatically empty. The relationship unfolds with all the emotional intensity of a phone commercial, and ultimately adds nothing meaningful to the film or to our understanding of Drazen Petrovic as a person.
The direction is uninspired, and the script seems written by someone with no understanding of character, pacing, or storytelling. Even the most basic emotional beats fall completely flat. There's no sense of triumph, no heartbreak, no intimacy. Watching this film is like reading a Wikipedia entry aloud, only with worse writing and less insight. It's hard to believe that the life of such an electric, driven and charismatic figure could be turned into something so emotionally sterile. Credit (or rather blame) goes to the director and screenwriter, whose utter lack of vision and storytelling talent reduces an extraordinary life into a bland slideshow of facts.
With source material as rich and compelling as Drazen Petrovic's life, the failure to create a meaningful, moving film isn't just disappointing - it's astonishing. This was a chance to honour a cultural icon, a global talent, and a deeply human story. Instead, we got a film that feels like it doesn't understand or care why Petrovic mattered at all.
"Drazen" isn't just a bad film - it's a wasted opportunity of epic proportions.
A disappointing film unworthy of the legend whose life story it was supposed to tell.
Drazen is a legendary athlete whose legacy is recognized not only in Croatia, but also in the world.
What is incredible is that the film is boring, pretentious, and the directing is mediocre. Unfortunately, this is the case with most film production in Croatia. There are exceptions, of course, but they are few.
The dialogues are wooden, unconvincing, in short, what we are used to seeing in Croatian productions. As I said, there are exceptions, but unfortunately they are just that, exceptions.
The Mile Kekin head looks like it just came out of the factory, it looks totally fake and rubbery, and the hairline looks hilarious.
A legend like Drazen deserved better. This is a disaster.
It's interesting how they skipped a part of Drazen's life, and a very important one at that.
What's amazing is that they managed to make a boring movie, as if we were watching some statistics.
The guy playing Drazen looks like a fat version of him, with flabby arms and another chin.
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but I expected a better movie.
Drazen is a legendary athlete whose legacy is recognized not only in Croatia, but also in the world.
What is incredible is that the film is boring, pretentious, and the directing is mediocre. Unfortunately, this is the case with most film production in Croatia. There are exceptions, of course, but they are few.
The dialogues are wooden, unconvincing, in short, what we are used to seeing in Croatian productions. As I said, there are exceptions, but unfortunately they are just that, exceptions.
The Mile Kekin head looks like it just came out of the factory, it looks totally fake and rubbery, and the hairline looks hilarious.
A legend like Drazen deserved better. This is a disaster.
It's interesting how they skipped a part of Drazen's life, and a very important one at that.
What's amazing is that they managed to make a boring movie, as if we were watching some statistics.
The guy playing Drazen looks like a fat version of him, with flabby arms and another chin.
Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but I expected a better movie.
Drazen is a powerful look at the life of Drazen Petrovic, one of basketball's all-time greats, told in a way that's emotional, inspiring, and so relatable for everyone, young and old. This isn'ta typical sport story, but a personal journey that hits hard, especially for those of us who grew up watching Drazen's career in the '80s. Seeing this movie brought back all the memories of cheering for him, especially during his time with the national team. The film beautifully captures the values of family, resilience, and love that defined him, and it's perfect for both kids and adults.
I brought my seven-year-old son and fourteen-year-old daughter to watch it, and they loved it. My son was totally into it, saying he admired how Drazen "just kept trying no matter what." My daughter got really emotional, especially enjoying the scenes with Drazen's family and his bond with his brother. She also appreciated the love story. Both of them were totally absorbed by the scenes from Drazen's childhood.
For me, it was like a trip back in time, and the casting was just fantastic. Tonko Stosic as young Drazen and Lovro Tanfara as young Aleksandar were so convincing; they really brought that brotherly bond to life. Pavle Matusko as the grown-up Aleksandar was excellent too - the whole cast truly delivered. Domagoj Nizic was fantastic as Drazen, capturing his spirit and intensity perfectly, while Zrinka Cvitesic as Drazen's mom was another standout. And that final song - it really hit me hard.
With stunning cinematography, a great soundtrack, and a storyline that showcases the power of dedication and love, Drazen is an unforgettable experience.
I brought my seven-year-old son and fourteen-year-old daughter to watch it, and they loved it. My son was totally into it, saying he admired how Drazen "just kept trying no matter what." My daughter got really emotional, especially enjoying the scenes with Drazen's family and his bond with his brother. She also appreciated the love story. Both of them were totally absorbed by the scenes from Drazen's childhood.
For me, it was like a trip back in time, and the casting was just fantastic. Tonko Stosic as young Drazen and Lovro Tanfara as young Aleksandar were so convincing; they really brought that brotherly bond to life. Pavle Matusko as the grown-up Aleksandar was excellent too - the whole cast truly delivered. Domagoj Nizic was fantastic as Drazen, capturing his spirit and intensity perfectly, while Zrinka Cvitesic as Drazen's mom was another standout. And that final song - it really hit me hard.
With stunning cinematography, a great soundtrack, and a storyline that showcases the power of dedication and love, Drazen is an unforgettable experience.
Drazen is an awesome movie that dives deep into the life of Drazen Petrovic, one of the greatest basketball legends ever. I'd give it a solid 9/10 stars. It's really well done, but I wish it was a bit longer so we could see even more of his life and legacy.
The film does a great job showing his journey from playing on the courts in Croatia to becoming a star in the NBA. It's not just about basketball though-it's about his passion, his struggles, and his dreams. What makes it special is how it balances the intensity of his career with the more personal, emotional moments. You really get to know him as a person, not just an athlete.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the scenes with Drazen and his brother. Their jokes and friendly competition added a light and positive touch that made the movie even more enjoyable. It felt real and reminded me of those sibling moments we all know and love.
The actors did a fantastic job bringing Drazen and the people in his life to the screen. You could really feel the emotions, especially in the more heartfelt and tough parts of the story. It was hard not to get a little choked up at times.
If there's one thing I'd change, it would be to make it a bit longer. There's so much to Drazen's story, and I would have loved to see more of his life beyond just the highlights. But overall, Drazen is a must-watch, whether you're a basketball fan or not. It's inspiring, touching, and a great reminder of how one person's passion and determination can leave an incredible mark.
The film does a great job showing his journey from playing on the courts in Croatia to becoming a star in the NBA. It's not just about basketball though-it's about his passion, his struggles, and his dreams. What makes it special is how it balances the intensity of his career with the more personal, emotional moments. You really get to know him as a person, not just an athlete.
One of my favorite parts was seeing the scenes with Drazen and his brother. Their jokes and friendly competition added a light and positive touch that made the movie even more enjoyable. It felt real and reminded me of those sibling moments we all know and love.
The actors did a fantastic job bringing Drazen and the people in his life to the screen. You could really feel the emotions, especially in the more heartfelt and tough parts of the story. It was hard not to get a little choked up at times.
If there's one thing I'd change, it would be to make it a bit longer. There's so much to Drazen's story, and I would have loved to see more of his life beyond just the highlights. But overall, Drazen is a must-watch, whether you're a basketball fan or not. It's inspiring, touching, and a great reminder of how one person's passion and determination can leave an incredible mark.
Did you know
- TriviaA report by Human Rights Watch (then called Helsinki Watch) from 1986 described Yugoslavia as one of the most repressive communist countries in Europe.
Details
- Release date
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- Also known as
- Something Larger Than Me
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- €1,600,000 (estimated)
- Gross worldwide
- $514,963
- Runtime1 hour 40 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39:1
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