Time of the Gypsies
Time of the Gypsies

Movie spotlight

Time of the Gypsies

1988
Movie
142 min
Serbo-Croatian

Perhan is a gypsy teenager with telekinetic powers. A wealthy gypsy, Ahmed, visits the village and promises to get Perhan's sister the medical treatment she needs if they join him to Italy. Perhan soon discovers that Ahmed's business activities are in fact quite shady and he is soon lured into the elder's corrupt surroundings.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Google Users93%
Director: Emir KusturicaGenres: Drama, Crime, Romance

Plot Summary

Perhan, a young Romani boy, lives with his grandmother in a village along the Vardar River in Yugoslavia. He possesses a nascent telekinetic ability, which he is unaware of. Drawn into the criminal underworld by his charming but unscrupulous uncle, Perhan embarks on a path of petty theft and exploitation. As he grows older, his desires for wealth and love lead him further into a life of crime and moral compromise, ultimately challenging his identity and his connection to his community.

Critical Reception

Time of the Gypsies was met with critical acclaim, praised for its vibrant energy, Kusturica's distinctive directorial style, and its powerful portrayal of Romani culture and the harsh realities of life. It won the Best Director award at the Cannes Film Festival, solidifying its status as a significant work of international cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unique and energetic directorial vision.

  • Celebrated for its authentic and poignant depiction of Romani life and struggles.

  • Admired for its blend of magical realism and gritty social commentary.

Google audience: Viewers consistently praise the film's captivating story, vibrant cinematography, and Kusturica's distinctive, energetic filmmaking style. Many highlight the emotional depth and the powerful portrayal of the Romani community.

Awards & Accolades

Won Best Director at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Nominated for the Palme d'Or.

Fun Fact

Director Emir Kusturica reportedly considered this film his personal favorite among his works, viewing it as a more intimate and autobiographical project.

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