Movie spotlight
It's Hard to Be Nice
Story about a forty-something Sarajevo taxi driver named Fudo (Saša Petrović) who decides to take control of his own destiny. Fudo doesn't earn much, so he supplements his income by offering tips to the local criminal syndicate and turning a blind eye to their nefarious dealings. One day, after offering a particularly bad bit of advice to a violent gangster, Fudo is badly beaten. When Fudo's wife Azra (Daria Lorenci) discovers what has happened, she decides to take the couple's infant son and move out. Now determined to win his wife back and restore peace in the home, Fudo decides to go straight. But cleaning up his act isn't going to be easy, because after borrowing enough cash from black market dealer Sejo (Emir Hadžihafizbegović) to purchase a van and then refusing to aid him in any underhanded dealings, the only person willing to cut him any slack is the sympathetic Azra.
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Plot Summary
A cynical advertising executive is given a wake-up call when he's cursed to only be able to tell the truth. He finds his personal and professional life rapidly unraveling as he struggles to navigate relationships and his career without the ability to lie or even bend the truth. The film explores the consequences of absolute honesty and the complexities of human interaction.
Critical Reception
It's Hard to Be Nice received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding its premise to be somewhat unoriginal and the execution lacking depth. While some appreciated the effort to explore themes of honesty and morality, the majority felt the film failed to deliver a compelling narrative or memorable performances. Audience reactions were similarly divided, with some enjoying the comedic elements while others were disappointed by the predictable plot.
What Reviewers Say
The film struggles with an underdeveloped premise that relies too heavily on its central 'truth-telling' gimmick.
Performances are often cited as a low point, failing to elevate the material.
Despite a potentially interesting concept, the narrative feels predictable and lacks genuine emotional impact.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their summary is not readily available for this film.
Fun Fact
Despite its release in 2007, the film did not receive widespread distribution and is considered a relatively obscure independent production.
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