Secret Ingredient

Saw it in the always fascinating Balkan survey of 58th TIFF. The plot is following the tradition of Balkan black comedies, focusing mainly in the current problems (downgrading) of the Health care system in those everlasting "transition" economies. Pleasant to watch, good pace, solid story and convincing atmosphere / direction, but surely not something you haven't watch again if you are following ex- Yugoslav cinematography.

You are bound to like this movie and there is no way around it.

In fact the effect of the movie may resemble the effect of its secret ingredient: it will induce a healthy giggle, and a sudden relief (from hard reality).

So you better start preparing for the small shot of happiness and read this set of instructions first:

1. The humor may seem simplistic (sometimes even predictable), but it will still provoke bursts of loud and heartfelt laugh. Most importantly, it will put a smile on your face long after its ending.

2. While depicted society may seem in chaotic decay (sometimes it can even feel completely decompensated and regressed into craziness), the heroes will remain sane, composed, and brimming with life.

3. The story may also seem simplistic (so much so that if condensed to short format, it can function as a witty joke) but it will convey deep humanistic message. At its core, this is a story about the human resilience amidst all hardships, and about the strength of family relationships.

In summary, its unpretentious humor, the honest story and the humanistic message strangely remind us of the epic "La vita è bella" by Benigni. Only this time the father-son relationship is inverted, focusing on the fatherly love of a son.

Way to go guys!

Biljana Gjoneska www.evermind.me

Maybe I don't understand dark humor, but that doesn't look like a comedy to me. I couldn't force myself more to watch a movie hoping it will eventually get better.