Watch Cabaret Balkan

Cabaret Balkan is a gritty and intense drama film that explores the troubled state of Balkan society in the late 1990s. The movie is set in the streets of Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, during a single night. The story follows the lives of several interrelated characters who are struggling to survive in a society that is beset by poverty, corruption, and violence. The film is directed by Goran Paskaljevic and stars Aleksandar Bercek, Vojislav 'Voja' Brajovic, and Bogdan Diklic.

The movie opens with a shot of a Belgrade intersection, where various characters start to converge. The camera then follows them as they weave in and out of each other's lives throughout the night. Each character has their own story to tell, and as the night progresses, their hopes and dreams collide with the harsh reality of life in the Balkans.

There's a young woman named Sanja, who is trying to escape the clutches of her abusive boyfriend, a taxi driver named Pero. Pero has a dark past, which he tries to conceal from Sanja. Meanwhile, a group of disillusioned young men wander the streets, seeking solace in alcohol and drugs. They are bitter about the state of their country and engage in random acts of violence to vent their frustration.

One of the most powerful storylines in the movie involves a group of ex-soldiers who are struggling to reintegrate into civilian life. They are filled with anger and resentment towards the society that sent them to fight in a war they didn't believe in. The men's personal struggles play out against the backdrop of a city rife with corruption and crime, where everyone's loyalty is for sale to the highest bidder.

The movie's title, 'Cabaret Balkan,' refers to a seedy nightclub that plays a prominent role in the film. The club is a symbol of the decay and desperation that pervades Balkan society. It's a place where people go to forget their troubles, but where they often end up creating new ones.

One of the key strengths of the movie is its cinematography. The film is shot entirely at night, which adds to the sense of claustrophobia and despair that permeates the story. The camera follows the characters as they move through the dimly lit streets, creating an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

The performances in Cabaret Balkan are top-notch, with each actor delivering a raw and emotional portrayal of their character. Aleksandar Bercek, in particular, is outstanding as the disillusioned ex-soldier Miki. His character is a microcosm of the societal problems affecting the Balkans, and Bercek brings a depth and complexity to the role that is truly impressive.

While Cabaret Balkan is undoubtedly a bleak and harrowing movie, it also has moments of dark humor and hope. There's a sense of camaraderie that develops between some of the characters, especially as they try to navigate the chaotic and dangerous streets of Belgrade. The film also touches on important themes such as nationalism, war, and the search for meaning in a society that has lost its way.

Overall, Cabaret Balkan is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that offers a glimpse into the societal decay and unrest that characterized the Balkans in the late 1990s. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Balkan history and society.

Cabaret Balkan is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.