Slice of Life

What can two guys working in a garage on their passion project in Croatia do? A lot apparently. What started as a short film that was completely self funded ended up being one of the most successful short film Kickstarter campaigns, and for a good reason. Hrgovic and Julius made more than a fan film, they took everything they love and admire from their favorite directors and movies and made it their own. Miniatures, matte paintings and the "old school" way of doing things is, in their case, a strength and what gives this short film its magic and charm. The making of videos on their Youtube channel could easily be a series on their own. Looking forward in seeing what will happen once they get the acknowledgment and recognition they deserve.

A real good film noir with wise touch of Blade Runner. Smart crafted story about a drug dealer looking for money for a radical change of his life. A desperate gesture. A cop and his blackmail. And the run to profit by opportunity.

The care for each detail, the musical score , the atmosphere and, not the last, the performances are the precious good points of this short film who reflects a splendid cinematographyc culture and a high respect for audience.

The result of entire effort is a great short film crowned by the perfect end.

And this has as result the emotional implication of viewer in the facts of guy looking to obtain his fair slice of life.

Visually I would give the film a perfect score, especially given that it was made in humbler surroundings and not by some Hollywood studio. However, I didn't feel the look was something that was new to me if I search outside the local cinema. I understand that filmmakers probably didn't intend to bring something completely new to the table and instead wanted to make an homage. That is perfectly legitimate but it stops me from wanting to give it the highest grade. I felt the main actor didn't perform perfectly either but overacted at times. Having said that, I still think the film offered more than most other films made in our country and overall the people who made it should be congratulated; hopefully we'll see more things from them.

It's clear that this short film was heavily inspired by Bladerunner but it seemed too much like a rip-off of both Bladerunner films and the Cyberpunk game combined, only on the aesthetic and sociological level. It is lacking in the philosophical depth of Philip K. Dick and other works associated with science fiction and the cyberpunk genre, which is probably an unfair criticism based on the high bar set by such writers, but it's worth noting. Fully aware that this would be hard to achieve within the confines of a short film, I do feel that even if this story was given a feature-length opportunity and budget I still believe it would fall flat.

Aesthetically very slick and cool while maintaining the dirty underground feel it successfully executes, but some of the corny imagery and particularly cheesy soundtrack takes away from what would otherwise be a rewatchable sci-fi short.

Given the criticism, I am however impressed with what was achieved on this reportedly limited budget, and would certainly give other films by Luka Hrgovic and/or Dino Julius a watch to see how they each develop their craft.

Very refreshing to see, that this group of filmmakers used so many old school techniques to make this film just as good as a professional Sci fi movie, where everything is almost made by CGI.

The work with the practical miniatures is so well done. With a minimal amount of resources, they achieved a very moody and dystopian Sci fi look.

This movie is only told by action of the actors and not by talking and they sold the stories so good, that there is no need for the actors to talk. What we see on screen says enough to tell the story. You can feel the emotions of the main character and the struggle he is going through.

Very well done and a must watch for every Sci fi fan.