Cast
View AllSonja Savić
as Anja
Branko Vidaković
as Sivi
Milan Mladenović
as Ševa
Branislav Lečić
as Zenit
Miško Plavi
as Gitarista
Igor Pervić
as Gagi
Goran Čavajda
as Tučak
Zoran Amar
as
Goran Kobali
as
Gordana Gadžić
as Seka
Milan 'Lane' Gutović
as Kodža
Nikola Nešković
as Himself
Mihajlo 'Bata' Paskaljević
as Vlasta
Margita Stefanović
as
Dragan Zarić
as
Crew
Director
- Milan Živković
Writer
- Milan Živković
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Black Marija examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Milan Živković brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1986, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Black Marija took approximately 19 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 37 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1986, when this film was released:
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Black Marija shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Rose, which focuses more on action than character development, Black Marija subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Local Band and Saturn Return explore similar territory, Black Marija stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 25, 1986
- Runtime: 1h 35m