Krugovi (or) Circles (Serbian, 2013)

This movie is based on a true story. The writing by Melina Pota Koljevic & Srdjan Koljevic based on the true events is mostly engaging. There are some very beautiful moments throughout. The characters and their agony are extremely real. The dialogues are very much reflective of all the agonizing past of the characters.

The performances are what make this movie such an emotional ride. Aleksandar Bercek who plays Ranko – the Father of the the tragic hero Marko – takes the cake in an impactful role. The performances by Nikola Rakocevic (Bogdan) as the young chap trying to make peace with Ranko, and Harris, the guy who was saved by the act, are exceptional. The rest of the characters such as the Doctor and Marko’s fiance also deliver.

It is evident that the director knows exactly the flavor and impact that he wants to create with the movie. The moment where Ranko nonchalantly acknowledges that Bogdan is his son and the moment when Ranko reminds Bogdan to take his pack of cigarettes are heart warming. Though the sequences are slow, realistic, the silences calculated – they bring about the impact in the right moments. The non linear segments, like the phone call made by Haris to Marko’s father – where each side of the conversation are shown at different times show the intelligence of the film maker.

The cinematography and the editing complement the direction. The cinematography often captures the vast loneliness in the exterior and the natural lights in the interior. The minimal use of music adds to the effect too.