Honeyland

This documentary definitely regained my hope for Macedonian cinema. I just don't know where to start but i'm going to start my review with the protagonists. For me, Atije is symbol of strength and persistence. She is something this world needs badly. She proves that even in the hardest times, people need to be aware of doing the right thing, no matter how bad life gets. Also, we are all connected in this world, humans, nature, flora and fauna. That's why she always puts nature first. In order to take, you must give. But greed gets the best of us. That's what this documentary proves. Sincere, caring and self-less are the words to describe Atije.

While i was watching the documentary, i thought of how every moment was captured at the right time. Even they hired the best actors and actresses in the world, it wouldn't have been nearly as good as this documentary.

Local people with a troubled story reflects on a global ecological problem. - That's how i would describe this piece of art.

If you want a true wake up call that will get even to the hardest of hearts, go with this one.

In a microcosm you get to see what humans are doing wrong. The amount of time the filmmakers have spent with the subject of the film, shows in the level of intimacy that the camera has acquired in their lives. As if it's a pair of eyes. And not a camera. Making this a thoroughly engaging film.

This movie focuses on the tiny things that can make the life beautiful. Hatidze owns close to nothing, doesn't have own family but still manages to enjoy life.

What is the reason for Hatidze to continue living? Do we humans need to have a goal that drives us throug our everyday and what when we fail achieving it?

Those are the two questions that haunt me after watching this masterpiece.

"One half for me, one half for you."

3 years. 400+ hours of footage. My 2nd viewing. Yet I am still at a loss for words at how a film like this is even possible.

It somehow manages to present a grounded narrative, a parable of rural life, and a kind environmental message, all quietly captured through observational lens and intimate scope. You will witness everything from a cow giving birth to the near-drowning of a child (which, while brief, is very difficult to watch). The editing and fly-on-the-wall filmmaking style is superb.

Do not miss.

Fighting with your neighbors. Struggling to care for your aging parent. Plying your craft and trade in the compassionless barreling economy of scale, so different from, and destructive to, the natural economies of being human. It is the same here, there, and everywhere. When there is no social contract their is imbalance and suffering, when the natural order is defended, there is simplicity and sustainability. One of my favorites of the year. Cinema is many things, but at its most beautiful it is an empathy engine.