Underground route

A sprawling, epic tale set in Belgrade, 'Underground' follows two friends through decades of Yugoslavian history, starting with their involvement in the resistance during World War II. They are convinced by a Communist Party official to hide in a cellar and produce weapons, which they continue to do for years, even after the war ends, living in a fabricated reality while their country undergoes massive historical shifts. The film charts their personal lives, loves, and betrayals against the backdrop of Tito's Yugoslavia and its eventual dissolution.

Emir Kusturica's 'Underground' is a highly acclaimed and polarizing film, celebrated for its audacious storytelling, vibrant visual style, and dark humor, but also criticized for its perceived political ambiguities and chaotic narrative. It achieved significant international success, particularly in Europe, winning the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and is considered a landmark work in post-Yugoslav cinema.

• A visually stunning and energetic, albeit lengthy, black comedy that satirizes war and politics.

• Praised for its ambitious scope, unforgettable characters, and Kusturica's distinctive directorial flair.

• Some found the film's allegorical nature dense and its political commentary complex or even controversial.

Google audience: Audiences generally laud 'Underground' for its powerful storytelling, unique directorial vision, and the unforgettable characters that populate its epic narrative. Many appreciate its blend of humor, tragedy, and historical commentary, though some find its length and complexity challenging.

Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival (1995)

The film was shot over a period of 19 months, making it one of the longest productions in Yugoslav cinema history.