El abedul

This is a dark movie and it takes you to a place of unease. But it's worth it!

A satire of the traditional peasant mentality set in north Croatia in 1920-ties. The author of the story, Croatian master of satire SLAVKO KOLAR, originally wrote it as tragicomedy, but the film doesn't show much of comedy. Only tragedy remains. Creepy and a bit surreal landscape in the background only enhances dark feelings. Contrast between tragic protagonists and hypocritical traditional customs of the villagers is truthfully conveyed. The way the director showed social relations, rituals, ancient folklore (even witchcraft) that makes the fiber of Croatian peasant society, made a lasting impression on me.

If you know someone who want's to learn something about Slavic cultural heritage, be free to recommend them this small masterpiece. I recommend it especially to those viewers of similar cultural background, Poles, Slovenes, Slovaks, Czechs, West Ukrainians... all those Slavs whose countries used to be a part of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Of course, others are welcome too.

There are simply too many motives and interesting characters to analyze here in detail.

Croatian cinematography at it's best!

10/10 and a big respect to the director, Ante Babaja!!!