When Father Was Away on Business

When Father Was Away on Business is a critically acclaimed 1985 film directed by Emir Kusturica and starring Moreno De Bartoli, Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic, and Mirjana Karanovic. This Yugoslavian film, set in the early 1950s, provides a critical and shaded perspective of Eastern Europe's political climate post-World War II, highlighting the impact of the era's tumultuous events on ordinary people.

The storyline mainly revolves around the family of Mesha (Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic), who is a hardworking but flawed character, swaying between his commitment to his family and his inclination towards other women. Mesha's infidelity and the political unrest that was prevalent at the time set the dice rolling. A careless comment, perceived as anti-state, drives Mesha away from his family and into a labour camp. This absence is the titular 'business', a euphemism used to shield the children from their father’s true fate, especially the six-year-old Malik (Moreno De Bartoli) who becomes the innocent lens through which audiences view the film's events.

While Mesha is away, his wife Sena (Mirjana Karanovic), along with her two sons, is left in the hands of her leech-like brother-in-law. Sena is left torn between her love for Mesha, her growing resentment towards his indiscretions, and her new status as the de facto head of the family; the struggles she faces elevate her character from just a mere housewife to a survivor.

Meanwhile, Malik struggles to comprehend the 'business' that has taken his father away. He looks for salvation and answers through his developing sleepwalking affliction that is symbolic of the disoriented state of the family without Mesha. His perspective of his father's absence provides a profound commentary about adult-world complexities and state control measures.

Director Emir Kusturica showcases his commendable storytelling prowess by blending family drama, political commentary, and gritty realism seamlessly. The film primarily documents the trials and tribulations of one family, but it also serves as a mirror to the society at large; a society suffering under the forceful implementation of an ideology, the personal vastly affected by the political. When Father Was Away on Business explores a pertinent theme of how political systems can disrupt private lives by exploiting the duality between public and private, ideological and domestic.

Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic, as Mesha, gives a standout performance, demonstrating a wide range of emotions as a man who is sinful and repentant in equal measures. While Manojlovic becomes the face of the repercussions of the political upheaval, Moreno De Bartoli, as Malik, is the innocent heart of the film whose naive and constant questioning of the situations around him provides the movie with its poignancy. Mirjana Karanovic's portrayal of Sena is equally commendable as she balances strength and vulnerability in an immensely authentic manner.

It is thought-provoking how the film offers frequent refrains of musical interludes, songs from classic Yugoslavian films or popular tunes lingering in the background, thus providing a stark yet poignant contrast to the grim reality unfolding on the screen. Every frame is infused with local culture, making the film also a rich documentation of Yugoslavian life in the 1950s.

In its essence, When Father Was Away on Business is not just about a man, a family, or a society; it is about the human spirit and its struggle, drastic choices, and undeniable resilience. The screenplay is written by Abdulah Sidran, and it eloquently captures the fine balance between history's objectivity and human subjectivity. The film, being historical and personal at the same time, allows the audience to feel the effect of political decisions on ordinary lives.

The film managed to garner international recognition, including the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival, and was also nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 58th Academy Awards. This recognition certainly speaks volumes about the film's quality and its universal appeal, despite its very local context and setting.

Ultimately, When Father Was Away on Business is a striking symbol of Yugoslavian cinema, using personal narratives and settings to comment on larger political phenomena. It’s a must-watch for those seeking insight into the historical period or anyone interested in viewing a unique, deftly crafted family drama.