Before the Rain

source: Before the Rain

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Like Yol, we have here a film that brings you into the way of life of a People, living in the mountains and outside of the modern world and you know that ethnic rivalries are bred here. The males go around carrying uzis and the Albanians and Macedonians just can't wait to kill each other. Beautiful photography and music. A different world, there in the Balkans!

The circularity of violence seen in a story that circles on itself. In Republic of Macedonia, during war in Bosnia, Christians hunt an ethnic Albanian girl who may have murdered one of their own. A young monk who's taken a vow of silence offers her protection. First of all, you don't see many films from Macedonia. At least, I don't. I suppose people in Macedonia may see more. But that was the first thing that struck me. But more to the point, the film is interesting for its blend of cultures and languages, and its (possibly) unique plot device of three stories that could go in more or less any order. I cannot say this was a film I truly loved, but it was one I admired. And it makes me wonder what else is out there from this same director or others involved. There is a whole world of film out there to be explored.

"Before the Rain" is a compelling drama which examines the ethnic hatreds bubbling over the cauldron of Macedonia in the wake of the post cold war Balkan fragmentation. A masterpiece of filmcrafting with a circular story backbone and a cosmopolitan cast, "BTR" focuses on one war weary Macedonian photo-journalist who returns to his roots to find his homeland torn by ethnic/religious hate. A must see for those into serious drama and foreign films. (A-)

This for my money is one of the best films of the last ten years. The plot does a wonderful job of starting and ending in the same place, a device Pulp Fiction stole and did less well. Essential for anyone who wants to understand the conflict between Orthodox and Muslim cultures in the Balkans and anyone who simply enjoys a finely crafted film.

This movie is by far, the most touching movie i've ever seen. I think it impressed me just the same as "Merry Christmas Mr.Lawrence", though "Before the Rain" is a much more beautiful movie. It's a raw depicture of the Balkans conflict, but also a beautiful one. One with loads of violence but growing from this violence, there's love and compassion.The most touching movie i've ever seen.

I was forced to watch this movie for a college class, and it instantly became one of my favorite movies of all time. The story is exceptional, and the directorial brilliance of its creators brings the tragedy of an entire country to life. It contrasts the folly of war and hatred with beautiful images of the people and places that they destroy.

i saw this film last year and for the rest of the day could not shake the emotional response it had provoked within me. totally original in its construction, it makes the "inventive" timelines of tarantino's work look childish and simplistic. this film tells so many stories and helped me understand the balkan conflict in a new light-- i can't reccomend it highly enough. one of the greatest in recent memory. absolutely beautiful photography. repeat viewings don't diminish its impact-- a rare achievement, especially for a film that is built on what could have easily been a formal 'gimmick'-- but the semi-cyclic form serves the film and heightens the impact and the meaning.

This is a powerful movie about the circle of conflict, coming from the authentic Balkan region that is troubled by these issues for ages. It gives you the perspective on these themes in a great, artistic and sincere way. Highly recommended.