Tito et Moi

The film "Tito and Me" was made during one of the most difficult periods in the history of Eastern Europe. Its quirky humor has marked the beginning of the end for the country it celebrates and unmercifully criticizes at the same time.

Making a child the central point of the film is essential for its vision. A child is able to see everything in a way as yet unclouded by the veils that adults often put on truth. And yet, the nation this film depicts often behaves like a big child (in ways that lead to self-ruin instead to self-preservation), and that gives another justification for such a choice of the main star.

The film goes even further to deal with certain philosophical and moral issues that were accepted without question for a great number of years in most countries of Eastern Europe. It puts them to test, a test of an honest and pure spectator of human foibles and peculiarities, and shows us the terrifying results made by an unbiased viewer.

The humor of the film, often bordering on absurd, only serves to heighten the sense of malaise and impending doom that eventually becomes a reality.

The child Zoran (wonderfully played by Dimitrije Vojnov, who is now one of Serbia's leading film critics and film connoisseurs)is taken along the paths of maturity, his thoughts become more and more grown-up in the process, and accordingly, his illusions are shattered one by one.

This film is comic, warm and honest, but also cruel and terrifying in its refusal to compromise. It is a story of a misguided nation and a warning for others who may share the same destiny, but are as yet not aware of it. As such it should be seen.

When this film was made in 1992 Yugoslavia entered its bloody wars of disintegration.

Author wanted to show to the public that love of the Marshal Tito by his peoples at the same time carried seeds of the wars which were conducted between 1992 and 1995.

Just as any Communist leader he created cult of the personality around himself and a very dangerous clique of the inner circle and even more dangerous Yugoslav National Army (JNA) which in the end decided to shoot at its own peoples.

Just as we all found out that it was all a farce in the end, so does the principle character finds out that he was an idiot by writing about Tito that he loves him more then his own parents. How in the Earth a Serb kid could write something like that about a Croat?

If you are interested in the former Yugoslavia this is a must see.

This is one of my favorite movies. Its amazing humor, excellent characters flawlessly brought to life by great actors, interesting, funny, yet serious and many-sided story is one of best Serbian movies ever. Zoran is chunky 10-year old living in a house which his parents share with his grandmother, and aunt and uncle. During the communism in Serbia, ruled by popular dictator,Tito, many homes were taken away from their owners. Zoran's family is, unlike most, against Tito's dictature. Zoran, however, sees Tito as his personal hero, as a great man. His learned in school that Tito is greatest man ever, and, for a kid, this propaganda was very believable. Zoran will, during a field trip learn more about his hero, without meeting him, of course. Yet, in order to understand the whole greatness, you have to know Serbian people very well, and know their temper. Only that way, this movies amazing humor will be understandable.

Narrated by the main protagonist - 10-year old Zoran, "Tito i ja" uses plenty of comedic tones, warm atmosphere," and almost takes shape of a family movie in order to poke fun at the cult of Tito in the former Yugoslavia and to pinpoint cracks and contortions in the Yugoslav society during the communist period. Young Dimitrie Vojnov gives a heartfelt performance as Zoran who was not only able to hold his own amidst all the peer pressure and propaganda, but actually effected people around him. In the supporting cast, Lazar Ristovski of the "Underground" fame got another outstanding role under his belt as a dogmatic "young pioneers" instructor driven to suicide by Zoran's unrealized nonconformity.

"Tito and I" is a very entertaining comedy. Although it touches on some serious issues such as political indoctrination and idolatry of communist leaders, I think the main point of the movie is not to make us think about these serious issues, but to laugh at them. Indeed, the movie gives the viewer plenty of reasons to be amused. It will be difficult not to enjoy it, trust me!

The cast includes two actors the I've seen in other Yugoslav movies: Miki Manojlovic (Underground and Black cat, white cat) and Lazar Ristovski (Underground)

Have fun!