The Yugoslavian film Time of the Gypsies from director Emir Kusturica tells a truly fascinating story about a young gypsy boy named Perhan, and the ordeals he goes through trying to help his sick sister. What makes Perhan such an interesting character is his telekinetic powers, his somewhat lack of moral, and rich dreams. Not only is the protagonist a vivid character. The entire film is filled with amazingly beautiful scenes and a tremendous soundtrack.
Emir Kusturica's take on the gypsies is a most interesting one. Not only does he portray them in the dirtiest, gloomiest, and most unpleasant place in society. Even though they reside in the slum area they seem to be unaffected by their fate, and starts playing on the accordion whenever life seems unfair.
It is an interesting concept that the film both starts and ends with weddings, although perhaps not in the exact way one may expect. Both the story arch and Perhan's character arch are just as moving as they are strong. The transition Perhan goes through, from an innocent boy, whose best friend is a turkey that he seems to be able to communicate with, to a slave trader who deals with children, is very gripping. Just as the story starts out in true Shakespearian manner as a comedy, and ends in a tragedy.
There is also a reoccurring theme of betrayal throughout the story. Perhan's mother was betrayed, his uncle was cheated on for his mother's attention which went to Perhan instead, and Perhan himself was betrayed several times, which ultimately made him betray people. Emir Kusturica uses this disillusionment to show that although they are living in this world with instances of magical realism; they are humans as well, fully capable of being broken, flawed, and cruel.
Emir Kusturica creates a universe that is vast, colorful, and contains many magical things. All masterfully presented in a natural and fully believable way. Not only do we have Perhan's psychic abilities, but his grandmother possesses certain abilities as well. Perhan's relationship with the turkey, a white veil flying in the wind, and several dream sequences, one which takes place on a river, are some of the most memorable in the entire film.
This film is one of the very few made with the authentic Romani spoken language in the majority of the runtime. Just this fact alone is worthy of more attention than received. All in all it is just a phenomenal film in its own category without comparison. A must see.
Emir Kusturica's take on the gypsies is a most interesting one. Not only does he portray them in the dirtiest, gloomiest, and most unpleasant place in society. Even though they reside in the slum area they seem to be unaffected by their fate, and starts playing on the accordion whenever life seems unfair.
It is an interesting concept that the film both starts and ends with weddings, although perhaps not in the exact way one may expect. Both the story arch and Perhan's character arch are just as moving as they are strong. The transition Perhan goes through, from an innocent boy, whose best friend is a turkey that he seems to be able to communicate with, to a slave trader who deals with children, is very gripping. Just as the story starts out in true Shakespearian manner as a comedy, and ends in a tragedy.
There is also a reoccurring theme of betrayal throughout the story. Perhan's mother was betrayed, his uncle was cheated on for his mother's attention which went to Perhan instead, and Perhan himself was betrayed several times, which ultimately made him betray people. Emir Kusturica uses this disillusionment to show that although they are living in this world with instances of magical realism; they are humans as well, fully capable of being broken, flawed, and cruel.
Emir Kusturica creates a universe that is vast, colorful, and contains many magical things. All masterfully presented in a natural and fully believable way. Not only do we have Perhan's psychic abilities, but his grandmother possesses certain abilities as well. Perhan's relationship with the turkey, a white veil flying in the wind, and several dream sequences, one which takes place on a river, are some of the most memorable in the entire film.
This film is one of the very few made with the authentic Romani spoken language in the majority of the runtime. Just this fact alone is worthy of more attention than received. All in all it is just a phenomenal film in its own category without comparison. A must see.