Adria Blues (Miroslav Mandic, 2013): Slovenia | Croatia| Bosnia | Herzegovina

Reviewed by Daniel Chein. Viewed at SBIFF.

Something that I really appreciate about the Santa Barbara International Film Festival programming is its commitment to acquiring films from underrepresented filmmaking communities around the world. With designated series for Jewish (Kolnoa), Latin and Eastern Bloc productions being featured next to films from the US, Western Europe and Asia, audiences have the opportunity to see films from filmmakers that would otherwise remain unheard of. Furthermore, programming a series as opposed to a single film allows viewers to compare different styles produced in the same region, debunking conceptions that all French films are like this or all Indian films are like that.

One film that I found totally hilarious was Adria Blues by Miroslav Mandic. The film is about an old rock star, appropriately named Tony Riff (Senad Basic) who is having trouble reintegrating into society after the Bosnian War. He has lost all interest and creativity in his music, and instead is supported by his wife Sonja (Mojca Funkl) who works as a call-girl to make ends meet. He hates that his wife has to have phone sex with other people, finding it not only disgusting but disgraceful. Sonja finds his remarks hypocritical, as Riff’s only pursuit in life seems to be motivated by tetris. Given this situation, Sonja arranges a tribute show with one of her customers, Maks (Peter Musevski), who was a huge fan of Riff in his heyday. Adria Blues is absurdist humor at its best, and the story unravels through the serendipitous union of the most unlikely individuals, including a a businessman, his mistress and wife, a mafioso, his henchman, and a massage chair salesman.

I tend to find humor that is centered around the irony in and of a situation tasteful. The film’s story arch is like a theorem for Murphy’s Law, which states everything that can go wrong, will go wrong. I’ll refrain from divulging the details because I think this film is definitely worth checking out. All I’m able to say is the last shot of the film was a memorable way to tie all the loose ends together.

The director is a character in his own right. Coming to talk to our class, he had certain mannerisms and ideas that when coupled with the film, it all sort of just made sense. But something he said really resonated with me. The film is supposed to be funny, yes, but it is also supposed to raise political issues without being outright political about it. Mandic met many people who were not same after the war. He talked about a friend of his who was a painter- he made incredible paintings that have been displayed in galleries around the world. After the war, he just decided he didn’t want to paint anymore, and gave it all up. And yet somehow Mandic is able to transform something that could be depressing and heavy into something that is funny and light-hearted. Go watch it and have a laugh.

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You’re currently reading “Adria Blues (Miroslav Mandic, 2013): Slovenia | Croatia| Bosnia | Herzegovina,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:: 02.21.14 / 7pm

Category:: Films, Santa Barbara Film Festival 2014

About

Film Review Club: Reviews of current film releases, streaming films, and revivals by student members of the SBCC Film Review Club.

Prof. Nico Maestu: Faculty Advisor ([email protected])

Film Festival Course: FS108: Film Festival Studies: Santa Barbara International Film Festival and AFI Fest: Hollywood (2 or 1.5 units). Field course at film festivals to study U.S. and international fiction, experimental and documentary films.

Contact: Prof. Nico Maestu ([email protected])

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Patricia Carman 02.17.14 / 4pm

Nice review. I loved the movie and agree, Mandic does a great job of transforming a depressing and heavy subject into something lighthearted and enjoyable.

cytorrey 03.02.14 / 11pm

Well said, this review gives an all-encompassing impression of the film. I have yet to see it, but now I’m excited to look this movie up and check it out. The Murphy’s Law theorem aspect sounds especially awesome, because that adage is the story of my life. I also like how you tied the director’s personality into the film. This isn’t something I normally think of when watching a movie, so it’s a great point. I like how the director brought his life experience and ideas into the film without being too direct. Thank you for this review, I know what I’m watching next!

AnnieMarie 03.15.14 / 8pm

This was a great, to the point film review. These types of film reviews are ones that I can appreciate because it gives you the details that you need to know for the film however, it does not give the majority of the film away. I have yet to see the film but after reading the film review I am very interested. I have background with PTSD within my family and friends and yes it may not be the same it is still centered around the same concept. I can appreciate this because it is a serious heavy topic that is transformed into something relatable and easy to watch based on what the review says. The impression of the film that I got was a great one. This film interests me because it shines a light on people who have an extremely hard time adjusting to lifes changes after returning from the war. It almost makes your situation easier when you can relate to something onscreen. This film review did an amazing job of persuading the reader to want to see the film based on the amazing review. I am now very excited to watch this film.

Cristine Khalil 03.17.14 / 9am

Fantastic job on writing the review! This has a hint of professionalism written all over it. I haven’t seen the movie but the way that you describe it makes me want to definitely sit down and watch it. The way you described the characters really shows in the picture you have up above. I can sense the mood and there is a hint of humor in it which is great. This shows it’s hard to adjust to the changes that occur in life and sometimes its hard to walk away with that so it’s wonderful that it’s in the movie… it really shines a light in people’s eyes and minds. Great job!

Michael Mendez 03.17.14 / 3pm

I thought your review was spot on although I thought a little more details with the film would have been nice but would have been hard without giving too much away. We somewhat have the same taste in comedy because I do enjoy that same type of humor. It sounds to me that these characters were basically in desperation and at their all time lows. Just by the look of it these characters look like they have little to no money and are suffering form poverty. I defiantly am going to watch this film now and before reading this review I honestly have never heard of Adria Blues. This review definitely got me interested and got me wanting more.

Nicole Paden 03.17.14 / 6pm

Growing up in Santa Barbara I have the same appreciation for the Santa Barbara International Film Festival as Daniel does. I did not have the chance to see this film during the film festival, however after reading this review I definitely want to see it. Daniel does a great job of introducing what the film is about without giving too much of the plot away, as he even states that he is going to refrain from going into any details as he believes that this film is worth watching. I am extremely intrigued by the idea that the film’s movie arch is like a theorem for Murphy’s Law and am interested to see what in this film goes wrong. Also, it is awesome that the director of this film came to visit Daniel’s class, and that he shared with the class the reason why he wanted to make this film. Daniel gave this film an excellent review and his review reflects his enjoyment of this film.

McKenna Stutz 03.18.14 / 11pm

I really thoroughly enjoyed your review of “Adria Blues.” From the way you described it, it is unlike any foreign film I have seen. The plot of the movie could point in a comedic direction or a dramatic direction, but the fact that it is indeed a comedy makes me look forward to seeing it for myself. I love that you likened it to Murphy’s Law, although I am a bit biased because my own friends and family used to call me Murphy for this same reason (anything that can go wrong, will – I know, not the best nickname). I also enjoyed your description of the director himself. I’m glad he came to talk to your class, he seems like a real character.

Rachael Middlekauff 03.19.14 / 12am

I have not had the opportunity to attend the Santa Barbara film festival nor have I seen the film Adria Blues. After reading this great review it makes me want to see it right away. I have a habit of connecting to films that involve peoples hardships after a dramatic event of change in their lives. I like watching the “hero’s journey” affect play out on screen as they battle their fears and turn it into something positive. Daniel explained a great summary of the movie with the plot, characters, and overall storyline. However, he gave just enough away to capture your attention, while also leaving mystery to draw you in and want to finish the film for yourself. I look forward to doing just that! Great job!

Kristin Soucy 03.20.14 / 4pm

Great review! I have never seen this movie, but your review made me want to look it up and watch! I love a good comedy, and this movie seems to have a interesting storyline. Also, your comment about Murphy’s Law and how everything that can go wrong will, makes me mind wander because I can’t imagine what is going to happen. Also, it is ironic that the husband hates the wife’s job when she is the only one working. If he really hated it that much he could get a job and support his wife so she wouldn’t have to be a call girl anymore. Your review definitely made me want to check it out!

sofiadrabkin 03.20.14 / 4pm

I appreciate your spot on review. You gave just the right amount of details, without giving too much information out. Reviews that give too much information automatically turn me off, and ruin the mystery entirely. This review makes me want to watch this film because you said “you need to watch it yourself” which is more of a cliffhanger since not that much detail was given out. I also like the way you described the humor. Humor doesn’t always have to be so obvious and in your face. Sometimes with tragedies, humor has a lot to offer, and lifts weight off of the viewers shoulders. Great job on this review!

Gabrielle Ricord 03.20.14 / 10pm

Great review! Wonderful and easy to read, your colorful vocabulary added some zest to these sometimes dull and droning reviews. Your description of the film is enough to spark quite an interest in some onlookers eyes, yet leaves much to be revealed. You give just enough away to tell us what the film is about, and the vibe it gives off, but not enough to reveal all. Your inclusion of your experience with the director also adds a nice perspective. I appreciate the way you express your thoughts and feelings about this film, and I hope to attend the Santa Barbara Film Festival in the future!

Shannon Davison 03.21.14 / 12am

I definitely agree with your thoughts on the Santa Barbara Film Festival, it is so great to have such a fantastic community event that reaches thousands of people. I found this review so great. It is extremely well written and I really couldn’t stop reading it. You provided such good information on this film. I also enjoyed that you didn’t only focus on one aspect of the fill either, but all of the things that make the film great. Your writing style is clear and concise and you carry your ideas and thoughts so eloquently. It felt like I was reading a professional review.

Keiichi Sakamoto 03.21.14 / 10am

This is a good review, Daniel. I have not seen the film. You explain what the film is really well. You describe events and characters with details. I easily understand the outline of the film. In the second paragraph, you say “the film’s story arch is like a theorem for Murphy’s Law.” This is an interesting viewpoint. Murphy’s law is stated as anything that can be wrong will be wrong. In my life, I sometimes experience this law like vicious cycle. This is the basis of the film. Your review makes me want to watch the film. When I see the film, I will focus on this points you indicate in this review.

Dustin Wolff 03.21.14 / 1pm

Fantastic review! I have never been to the Santa Barbara Film Festival but have heard great things about it. It is awesome to have such an important event in the film industry locally. I really enjoyed your film review. It inspired me to go to a film festival sometime soon. I think you do a great job of describing how the festival highlights important foreign films. I really enjoyed the way you described the film Adria Blues. The film seems to be very interesting and I would love to see it sometime. Overall I think that you wrote a great review and you really motivated to go to a film festival.

sam foord 03.21.14 / 5pm

Hello.
I enjoyed reading your review and will definitely look into this film. I would have liked to know a little more about the film but as you said you did not want to give too much away. I thought it was really interesting how the director came and talked to your class about the film and what message he was trying to get across in the film. I’m sure this subject really hits home with many people because of the war that we are currently in and many of us know people who have or are fighting right now. I tend to enjoy films that are subtle in their message and really make you think, and by your review of this film, it seems that this film is trying to do that. I will check it out!

cristiansoto 03.21.14 / 6pm

This was a very well thought out review, I agree that it is nice to have underestimated works be given the opportunity to be demosntrated to public. I like the way you described the characters and thier many qualities aswell as thier occupations. It was especially great in the manner you explained the film without willingly giving it away and tuining it for those who havent seen it. Overall this review has made want to go watch this film. It seems like I would enjoy it.

Alexa Thompson 03.21.14 / 7pm

I have not seen this film yet. However, after reading your review on “Adria Blues” by Miroslav Mandic I must watch it right away. Your review was outstanding, professional, organized, and I like how you did not give away too much information. I do not like when film critics ruin the whole film for me. You lured me in when you said in the end: “Go watch it and have a laugh.” I think it is great that you said that because it reminds the readers to go and watch this entertaining film. I absolutely love the Santa Barbara Film Festival, and I completely agree with what you said about it. Your writing is easy to comprehend, good vocabulary use, and straight to the point. I can not wait to go watch this film, and understand more about how you felt after you watched this film. Additionally, I like how you included more in the review about the director’s personality and ideas because I truly believe that the director’s input has a HUGE influence on the whole film. Thank you for your review, I enjoyed reading your thoughts, and I am excited to see “Adria Blues.”

Landon Poling 03.21.14 / 9pm

I couldn’t agree more with your thoughts about the Santa Barbara Film Festival. The people in this community are truly amazing and we are so incredibly lucky to have a them to reach out and inspire thousands of others. This review provides in depth information and it really allowed me to connect and understand the film. The writing style in this review allows the reader to understand all aspects of the film. You don’t just focus on one particular thing, but instead everything in general. I really enjoyed reading this review and I look forward to reading some more!

pmobrien1 03.21.14 / 9pm

I completely agree with your post as well, The Santa Barbara Film Festival is a great event for the community of Santa Barbara. Although I wasn’t able to make it this year after reading the article above I was very intrigued and interest in the festival. The author did a great job of keeping the writing relatively broad and not to specific, giving away to much of the storyline. Overall I really enjoyed reading this article because of how it was written and the style that it was written in.

sydneymarmion 03.21.14 / 10pm

This was honestly, a wonderful review. You have very professional words that depicting the story as well as the characters we’ll enough to where I feel like if know exactly what I was watching which rarely happens when I watch really trailers on my television. You have given back the importance of the written language because I’ve come to know the really important difference between reading about a film and simply watching some scenes from it. Thank you so much for your review

Daniel Chein 03.22.14 / 9am

Thanks for all the comments! I hope you get the chance to check it out!

cmplayer 03.22.14 / 4pm

I really like reading this review. I have yet to see this movie and have never heard of it before. Once I ready this review I thought that this movie sounds really good to watch. I really like how the movie was put in the Santa Barbara film festival. I think it was great for a movie like this because I think it helped with it’s exposure to people who would not have been able to see it. I think the festival is a great event for the city of Santa Barbara because of what it brings to the community. Thank you for writing such an interesting and enjoyable to read review. I thought it was great.

Stephen A Turney 04.06.14 / 7pm

Great review!! This films sound extremely funny and I am very excited to see it. I have seen many films where people have tough times readjusting after wars and being displaced from their home towns but I have never seen this topic as a comedy. It sounds very funny and the plot is genius. I really enjoy watching films with rock and roll and rock and roll stars because I love rock and roll music. It is very fun for me to watch these types of films and I love comedies. I also enjoy viewing films that take place in other places besides America. It is fun because it gives me a look into how other people live and what their lives are like. I can’t wait to see this film thanks for the review!!!

Claire Waterhouse 04.19.14 / 11am

I truly enjoyed reading your review and now look forward to watching the film. I agree with you and am glad to hear that you, as well other people also appreciate SBIFF’s programming. They do a fantastic job and allow us to see so many films we would not otherwise have the opportunity to see! Adria Blues sounds like a fantastic film, not only having a subtle political undertone but also giving the audience a unique sense of humor. The characters sound interesting and likable, a crucial aspect for any film. You gave a great synopsis and I’m glad I now have a great base for the film and what I can expect.

cpat1990 07.25.14 / 11pm

I think that this review really captured the nuance of this film. Often times the best way to tackle a subject as daunting as the conflict in Bosnia is tell another smaller, more intimate story that addresses the larger themes in a more subtle, nuanced manner. I am often bored by epic war movies or period pieces in which all the humanity of the characters within the immensity of the story. Focusing on emotions and creating memorable, dynamic characters, often proves a more impactful way to address overwhelming topics. I look forward to seeing this film and hope to see it soon.

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