Cirkus Columbia

Cirkus Columbia, released in 2010, is a Bosnian drama film set on the backdrop of the political unrest that gripped Yugoslavia in the 1990s. With vibrant characters and complex relationships, it paints an intimate and intricate picture of the lives and emotions of people caught in the transitional period in Bosnia-Herzegovina and phases of peace, war, and reconciliation.

Directed by Danis Tanovic, an Academy Award-winning director, the film seamlessly combines political tension, human drama, and a touch of dark comedy. The all-star cast includes Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic, Mira Furlan, and Boris Ler, who all contribute a unique sense of realism and poignancy to their respective characters.

Manojlovic portrays Divko Buntic, an affluent ex-pat who returns to his small native town in Bosnia after spending 20 years in Germany. His return is largely propelled by revenge, as he was exiled for being a political dissident during the Communist regime. Now a wealthy man and with Communism having ended, he is fueled by the desire to reclaim what was taken from him, such as his property, reputation, and cleanse his sense of past humiliation. Not hesitating to flaunt his economic prosperity, he arrives in a shiny red Mercedes, trailed by his much-younger girlfriend Azra (Jelena Stupljanin) and a black tomcat Bonny, who he strongly believes brings him good luck.

Then there's Mira Furlan, who plays Lucija, Divko's estranged wife who is still living in his old house alongside their son Martin (Boris Ler). During his exile, Lucija never remarried and raised Martin alone, keeping their lives simple and honest. The dynamic of these characters is significantly complicated once Divko decides to return, breaking the regular harmony their lives had settled into.

Martin is a quiet and introspective young man who spends most of his time with his friends and is also fiddling with his amateur radio, through which he stays tapped into the increasing political tensions in the country. He experiences his own set of struggles and transformations as his path intertwines with his father and the beguiling Azra.

Amid the personal narrative, the ever-present backbone of the film is the looming ethnic and political conflicts that would eventually lead to the Bosnian War. This chaos subtly infiltrates the seemingly trivial, yet volatile, situations, adding an extra layer of tension and urgency to the characters' interactions.

Cirkus Columbia is characterized by Tanovic's masterful direction, as he adroitly captures the pre-war Bosnia's atmosphere and the different personalities living in a small yet convoluted community. His screenplay co-written with Ivica Djikic, deftly dissects personal dramas, intergenerational conflicts, the harsh consequences of revenge, and the senseless devastation brought about by war. Yet, it never loses its humorous undertones. It's in this balance of comedy and tragedy where the movie's strength lies, making it achingly relatable.

Additionally, the fine performances from the lead actors elevate the film's credibility to a whole new level. Manojlovic is convincing as a vindictive, showy yet vulnerable man while Furlan emanates life's roughened edges well with stoic grace. Young actor Boris Ler gives an impressive performance as the 20-something Martin, conflicted and caught between his parents' conflict, his own coming-of-age, and the country's political climate.

On the technical front, the movie is stellar. Complemented with the aptly polished and scenic cinematography by Walther van den Ende, it draws attention to the stunning landscapes of Bosnia-Herzegovina while also metaphorically reflecting the contradicting and fluctuating scenarios in the characters' lives.

The musical score is instantly charming and compatible with the story's setting. It is utilized beautifully, punctuating emotional scenes and serving as a subtle commentary on certain events.

In conclusion, Cirkus Columbia is a brilliantly executed film that provides a snapshot of a transformative era in Bosnia-Herzegovina through the lens of personal lives and events in a small town. It manages to be a family drama, a political commentary, and a black comedy all at once, making it an engaging watch right from the beginning to end. Despite its historical and geographic specificity, the universal elements of love, revenge, and the absurdity of war resonate with audiences worldwide.