Underground (1995) is a Yugoslavian film ( remember Yugoslavia?) directed by Emir Kusturica. From World War 2 through the Yugoslav Wars, it follows two friends, Marko and Blacky.
During World War II, Marko hides Blacky and other resistance fighters in a cellar to protect them from the Nazis. However, after the war ends, Marko continues to deceive those underground, making them believe the war is still ongoing while he rises to power in Tito's regime.
It’s an insane, multi-layered masterpiece that needs to be watched multiple times to follow everything that is going on.
I lose track of all the allegories going on. There is just so many and probably each character relationship is representing some aspect of Yugoslavia.
For example, Natalija, the woman both men love, can be seen as representing Yugoslavia itself, torn between different ideologies and powers.
And Blacky and Marco are like Serbia and Bosnia. Once united then mortal enemies.
After a few watches, you start to see allegories in everything. Even in minor characters. And the monkey!
But even if you ignore the allegories, it is a perfect story of deception and double standards and tragedy of war.
It is by turns hilarious and tragic. An anti-totalitarian masterpiece that you will want to watch and watch.
Some critics accused Kusturica of Serbian bias or of glossing over atrocities. Though I can’t see that myself. It is brutal about the idiocy of brother fighting brother.
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