Overview"On the Milky Road", directed by renowned Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, was launched in 2016. The film is an attracting blend of romance and drama. It was chosen to compete for the Golden Lion at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival. Furthermore, the movie likewise functions as a poignant war commentary. Kusturica himself stars in the film, together with Monica Bellucci.
PlotSet in the middle of the Yugoslav Wars, the narrative follows the story of a milkman, named Kosta (Kusturica), who is accustomed to a life where bullets are a daily truth. He traverses harmful terrains to provide milk to his fellow individuals while obliviously preventing deadly attacks. His life takes a significant turn when he comes across a mystical woman (Bellucci), hiding under the moniker of 'the Italian Bride'. She is leaving from a British officer who wishes to marry her forcefully.
Aspects of SurrealismKnown for his distinct imaginative style, Kusturica integrates components of surrealism in 'On the Milky Road'. It showcases odd shenanigans including animals like pygmy owls, geese, and snakes, to the duplicated motif of a levitating monk whose donkey keeps him connected to the ground. Nevertheless, amidst the odd aspects there lies a profound exploration of turmoil and beauty.
War and RomanceDealing with the gruesome realities of war with subtle referrals to genocidal acts, Kusturica exposes the haunting effect left over the lives of typical individuals like Kosta. Yet, in the middle of all the grim truths, a flowering romance between Kosta and the woman transcends an otherwise awful narrative. Love evolves as a strong theme, breaking through the depressing environment of war.
PerformancesKusturica, apart from directing and composing, likewise leads the film, delivering a strong performance that reinforces the argument against war. His stoic representation of a normal milkman showing the challenges of war juxtaposes versus the character's gentle, frequently comedic, attitude.
The charismatic Bellucci takes the narrative to a much deeper level with her mysterious aura and her emotionally charged efficiency as a woman trying to leave her past. Their on-screen love improves the narrative, adding a sense of warmth and intimacy.
GraphDespite the war-torn background, the movie depicts a visually abundant graph. Fantastic orphic visuals and in-depth cinematography efficiently develop an immersive experience, and the sophisticated set designs and desaturated color palette provide an unique creative touch, making the movie visually appealing.
Additionally, Kusturica's use of folk songs and special soundscapes immerse the audience into the Serbian culture, intertwining effective narrative with embracing regional flavor.
Conclusion"On The Milky Road" takes audiences on a surreal journey through love, war, and life's unpredictability. Though criticized by some for its overuse of importance and metaphorical images, the film got extensive adoration for its deep commentary on war and human durability. This movie rightly proves Kusturica's proficiency over surrealism and his ability to entwine severe truths with a soft, romantic narrative.
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