Cognac (1988) User Reviews

Problem with translation

[shaptach · 9/10 · 24 June 2005]

Thing is, problem does not lie in the movie, but in translation. In all Serbian (Yugoslavian) movies core of the dialogue lies in phrases, common to the region, which can be successfully translated only to some extent. Example, if you tried to translate some stand-up comedy to ANY language, nobody would understand it. The same is with movies.

Next thing is the social factor, westerners simply can not understand comedy that is set in days of communism. The whole setting is hilarious only to the people who, unfortunately, lived it.

If you watch movie carefully and read title, you will see that people are talking much more than it is actually translated. That is the part where you "lose" the movie. Subtitles are no substitution for living tongue.

Great Yugoslavian movie

[ncosovic · 10/10 · 4 October 2008]

This is one of the best Yugoslavian movies of all times. Slobodan Sijan is unorthodox director and has created a true masterpiece.

This movie is special because all of the major Yugoslavian movie stars of the era were in it. Maybe this movie is strange to English spoken people in terms of translation but since the movie is almost fully in English and the gags are more comedy mime so there is no big obstacle.

Also, as a member of ex Yugoslavian people I must say that the English actors in the movie took time to learn Serbian language. That is highly commendable, so the people that are watching can learn few of the phrases like good day, or hello, or I need phone. :)

Ouh, and you will learn something about Belgrade, Montenegro, Podgorica and the people that live here.