Obituaries
Obituaries

Movie spotlight

Obituaries

1990
Movie
70 min
English

Two old men in a nursing home engage in an ongoing competition. When the home is due to receive a visit from a member of the royal family, only one of them will be able to be represented.

Insights

IMDb7.6/10
Director: Vinko BrešanGenres: Comedy, Drama, War

Plot Summary

In a small Croatian village during World War II, the local priest is tasked with preparing obituaries for fallen soldiers. However, as the war drags on and the body count rises, the priest finds himself in an increasingly absurd and darkly humorous situation. He must contend with village politics, conflicting loyalties, and the escalating demands of the war, all while trying to maintain his spiritual duties.

Critical Reception

Obituaries was critically acclaimed for its unique blend of dark humor and wartime drama, offering a poignant yet biting commentary on the absurdity of conflict. The film was praised for its strong performances and its ability to find levity in bleak circumstances, resonating with audiences for its insightful portrayal of human resilience and the ridiculousness of war.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its dark and satirical take on war.

  • Commended for its strong performances, particularly from the lead.

  • Noted for its ability to blend comedy with tragic themes effectively.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews and ratings for this film is not readily available.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Arena for Best Film at the Pula Film Festival in 1990. Also won awards for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress at the same festival.

Fun Fact

The film was released during a tumultuous period in Yugoslav history and has been interpreted as a commentary on the complexities and absurdities of the Yugoslav Wars that would soon follow.

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