Circles (2013)

Directed by: Srdan Golubovic
Country: Serbia / others

Movie Review: Intelligently written and structured, “Circles” is one of the most valuable contemporary dramas coming from Balkans. The story starts to be told in 1993 Trebinje, Bosnia, hometown of soldier Marko Kovacevic who returns on leave from the front. After having breakfast with his dad, Ranko, he goes to visit his girlfriend, Nada, at work, and then meet with his medic friend, Nebosja. When he witnesses a Muslim shopkeeper, Haris, being savagely beaten up by three military companions, which includes Todor and Rekita, known for spreading confusion and fear on the city streets, he tries to cool them down, but this posture will cost him his life. Twelve years later, in a peaceful Germany, all the living characters mentioned above (or some of their relatives), will cross paths, having the opportunity to forgive or take revenge, depending on the case. The film was set up in a captivating way, employing discernment to put in confrontation the good vs. evil, and showing a complexity of feelings and emotions, that was strong enough to make us conscious and alert. Also visually absorbing, the film counted with an appreciable cinematography and credible performances. Helmer Srdan Golubovic, who, in certain scenes, curiously opted for a moving camera instead of fixed shots, proves that the success achieved with “The Trap” in 2007, wasn’t just a coincidence. “Circles” is an illuminated film composed by small, interconnected stories, which, whether fair or unfair, whether immersed in light or in deep darkness, are indispensable lessons for life.