Beautiful People

Beautiful People from 1999 simplifies the complexity of human nature, multiculturalism, identity, and embedded irony of life-changing incidents through a combo of comedy, drama, and war. In this razor-sharp, critically acclaimed satire directed by Jasmin Dizdar, the intertwined lives of several different people are hilariously observed against the backdrop of the Bosnian War. Starring Thomas Goodridge, Faruk Pruti, and Tony Peters, the movie tells the tale of a motley group of individuals, each connected in unlikely ways, showcasing the delightful chaos of relationships and circumstantial collisions.

London in the 1990s provides a multicultural tableau reflecting the postmodern chaos of life. Jets from Bosnia drop a host of refugees into this multifaceted mix, intensifying the already complex interconnections. Thomas Goodridge delivers a captivating performance as the passionate football fanatic, Jerry, who is infatuated exceptionally with his favorite football team. Faruk Pruti plays the role of Pero, a war victim and refugee whose wife is giving birth in a foreign land, exploring themes of displacement, survival, and familial bonds. Tony Peters, on the other hand, shines as the eccentric cab driver, Sam, whose life is tightly twisted with the war in ways he never anticipated.

The film is a series of vignettes that portray the absurdity and irony of life, instilling humor even amidst gloom, showcasing the enormity of coincidences, the capriciousness of fate, and the unpredictability of human behavior. The situations are borderline surreal, packed with quirky humor that steers clear of slapstick. Beautiful People successfully amplifies the absurdity inherent in real-life conflicts, conflicts that often seem too absurd to be true. The characters, with all their misadventures, are just ordinary people caught in the vortex of sociopolitical circumstances beyond their control. Their worlds collide, clash, and intertwine in unforeseen ways, often with comedic outcomes.

Jasmin Dizdar adds a unique touch with his cinematography, gifting viewers with an array of visually memorable sequences that match the drama's intensity. His witty and intelligent direction gives the right amount of weight to each subplot, connecting them into a cohesive narrative. The director does not shy away from exploring bold concepts and controversial themes, illustrating the human cost of political turmoil and exposing society's hypocrisy. However, he deals with these topical issues with an unorthodox blend of satirical humor and gentle compassion.

Acknowledging its title, the movie is filled with moments that reaffirm the essential goodness in all people, irrespective of their origins, status, or nationality. Despite being caricatures of different national stereotypes, the characters represent a shared human condition marked by the struggle, resilience, and unexpected comedy of life. They don't just make you laugh but also tug at your heartstrings, as their humanity shines through their hilarious ordeals.

From hospital doctors treating Serb and Croat war patients, football hooligans learning life lessons, to refugees adjusting to their new life and a dysfunctional British family, Dizdar casts his eye over them all. The result is a beautifully chaotic, unpredictable but enchanting narrative that mixes the dark with the light, showing how connected we all are. Every character, every story thread in the film is representing a different culture and social class, and yet they all blend into one human society, carrying a powerful multicultural message.

The film also contains a fitting musical score by Simon Boswell that harmonizes wonderfully with the film's pacing and mood. It is littered with moments of absurd humor, poignant drama, and subtle commentaries on nationalism, xenophobia, and multiculturalism.

In "Beautiful People," the real war is fought on the personal front, where prejudices are questioned, assumptions are disputed, and common ground is sought. As the characters navigate this convoluted maze of culture, conflict, and coincidence, the audience witnesses the harsh realities of war, the challenge of displacement, and the complexities of human life. It’s a war film, a comedy, a drama, and a compelling commentary on profound human dilemmas. All in all, this film forms an unexpectedly poignant symphony of humanity painted through the lens of black comedy and social satire, underlining the universal truth that we are, indeed, 'Beautiful People.'