The Dervish and Death
The Dervish and Death

Movie spotlight

The Dervish and Death

1974
Movie
105 min
Serbo-Croatian

Ahmet Nurudin is a dervish and head of the Islamic monastery of the Mevlevi order in Sarajevo. He is a personification of morale and dogmatic belief, everything that Muslim religion of the Ottoman rule rests on. Throughout his life, the atmosphere of the city, the relations with the judge and the mechanism of government, the image of Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the nineteenth century is being revealed. Based on a highly praised novel by Meša Selimović.

Insights

IMDb7.4/10
Director: Zlatko TopcicGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

Set in Bosnia during World War II, the film follows Ahmed, a religious man who is deeply affected by the war and the loss of his family. Torn between his faith and the brutal reality of the conflict, he grapples with his desire for revenge against those who wronged him. His internal struggle leads him to a path of violence, challenging the peaceful tenets of his dervish beliefs.

Critical Reception

While not widely released internationally, "The Dervish and Death" is recognized as a significant film within Yugoslavian cinema, particularly for its powerful portrayal of moral conflict amidst wartime atrocities. It is noted for its bleak atmosphere and unflinching look at the psychological toll of war on individuals.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its intense exploration of a man's internal conflict.

  • Commended for its stark depiction of the horrors of war and its impact on faith.

  • Noted for its powerful performances, particularly from the lead actor.

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

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Meša Selimović, a highly acclaimed Bosnian writer.

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