Dobro ustimani mrtvaci (2005) User Reviews

Bosnian Pseudo-Amarcord

[kstakor · 7/10 · 21 July 2006]

Upon seeing this film, one can be clear about two facts: 1.Bosnian films are up and coming, promising to overrun all the other national film industries in the region, and 2. Not all Bosnian films are that good. Now, like many before, this film captures the true essence of life in Bosnia, with rich characters, shrewd inventions and unorthodox solutions. The script was really well done, promising a film of great comedy and perky one-liners, and yet you will leave with a sour feeling in your mouth after the end, a feeling that something is missing. Yes, the film has all of the most intriguing actors that Bosnia has to offer (Tarik Filipovic, Nada Djurevska, Emir Hadjihafisbegovic), some of them most brilliant in their performances, and yet they could not help the film sinking into the abyss of directors indecisiveness when deciding whether it is a comedy, drama or even a tragedy. It could be that it is all of the three, but then I must say that it just lacks in proper craftsmanship to reconcile all the elements that needed to be looked after. And that, my dear reader, is a clear directorial flaw very common in this region.

Still, I must confess - the film'storyline is intriguing and it deals with modern problems that exist in every young democracy, so I would not go that far to claim that this film should not be seen, on the contrary. Some scenes will make you laugh, some will make you wish you had left the theater 30 minutes ago, but all in all - a nice little tragic comedy that almost strikes the heaven it deserves - but almost is far from perfect. Towards the end, things get complicated a bit more, which is a good sign that the director's drug has finally kicked in, and that he had some aces hidden up his sleeve, which is generally a nice thing, if it occurs.

I have given the film a clear 7/10 and it is only because it is still more interesting than any other Bosnian film that came out in that year.

It's not a well paced film, in my opinion

[r96sk · 6/10 · 9 January 2023]

'Well Tempered Corpses' has its moments, though unfortunately for the most part it's a little undercooked.

I like the set-up/pay-off, it's amusing, and I feel we do get a decent amount from each of the characters, however at many a point I could feel my interest waning - it's not a well paced film, in my opinion.

On the cast, Lazar Ristovski and Irena Micijevic are the standouts, I enjoyed those two onscreen; despite Ruzdija (Ristovski) and Envera (Micijevic) not being the most likeable people. Zan Marolt and Boro Stjepanovic are decent, I would've liked to have seen more of them as Risto and Safet.

Methodical craftsmanship and solid acting are missing ingredients from this movie

[s_10879 · 3/10 · 15 January 2009]

I agree with the previous commentator that the movie "lacks in proper craftsmanship to reconcile all the elements that needed to be looked after". That was one obvious and main shortfall of the movie.

On the positive side, the story is interesting and intriguing, while several scenes bring on the laughter and positive emotions. Lazar Ristovski and Miralem Zupcevic stand out as actors. Superb delivery! Congrats also to the "law student" actor. I do not know his name, but he has got a great potential! My major grievance regarding this movie (apart from the lack of a thread to finely "sew" all the elements into one coherent and meaningful piece), is a superfluous lack of acting talents.

Some acting scenes made me want to leave the film, just because they were performed so poorly. I will point out at four least-performing actors:

Jasna Diklic (Tidza): There is no way a woman that lives in a remote Bosnian village will converse like Tidza does; Ms. Diklic's accent and a perfect, scholarly pronunciation of words reveals almost Shakespearean undertones and speech training lessons that cannot be erased no matter how hard she tries to lose it. While there might be such a persona living in the village in question, that would be highly unlikely and definitely inauthentic.

Irena Micijevic: Her endeavor to overact and to overemphasize each gesture and emotion reminds of Mexican soap-opera divas. Abysmal.

Tarik Filipovic: Tarik Filipovic is one fine show host. He, however, cannot act, or at least as a homosexual in this movie. The kiss in the car, in particular, was badly acted indeed; unconvincing and insincere. Mr. Filipovic should watch Brokeback Mountain. Again.

Tatjana Sojic: Ms. Sojic somehow tried to implement several personalities into her character, but those personalities refused to communicate with each other. In result, a surreal being emerged, inconceivable and traumatic to see.

Bosnian directors must not underestimate their audience. If fine details are taken care of more carefully in the future of Bosnian cinematography, there is hope that we can enjoy a rich Bosnian spirit in its full radiance.

One half of orange (squeezed by Admir Glamocak in the movie) cannot not believably produce a full glass of orange juice. Similarly, a good movie should not be made by partial labor, but by full and committed effort.