Underground

In this picture, it is beautifully visible that it is a film that was shot in the Balkans. Emir Kusturica put so much incredible energy into it that you won't even believe it. And yet, it is a film that has quite serious moments, but there are so many changes in those three hours that it won't let you fall into depression anyway. Joyful, serious, unique. (18/03/2016)

In every era, even in the most terrifying ones, some individuals know how to fully exploit it to their advantage. Based on this fact, Emir Kusturica crafted a socio-political satirical allegory, and under his direction, a truly masterful work was created, prompting me to ask an inevitable question after watching it: Where is "mankind" going and wouldn't we be better off as apes, our ancestors? Underground is a bitterly timeless film that ages like fine wine, and in the Balkan context, it is chillingly accurate, especially when considering that broken piece of land at the end of the film. Perhaps the only complaint I have is the drawn-out runtime, but otherwise, hats off to the director. (95%) (29/12/2020)

A parable of one unhappy country, its strange inhabitants, and fratricidal wars. Keeping the massive metaphor of Yugoslavia of the 20th century together required all of Kusturica’s skill, and although it is clear in several places that this was beyond his power, Underground still functions satisfactorily on both levels: as a film about people and as a parable. Comedy and drama merge into one in Kusturica's unique poetics, behind each joke there is a pinch of tragedy... Bregovic's music is absolutely necessary, as it is what perfectly resonates with the mood of the story and intensifies its tone. One of the greatest European films of all time, literally and figuratively... (28/01/2004)

For me, given the high expectations that were raised by enthusiastic reviews, comments, and high ratings, it is probably the biggest disappointment of Kustorica's works, of which I otherwise quite like. This allegory simply didn't click with me, the plot, even within the playfulness with the audience, seemed too absurd to me, and the film was unnecessarily long, with overplayed characters. Overall impression: 45%. (22/06/2006)