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Off

Off (2015)

Jun 04, 2015 1h 10m Action Drama

Petar Lubarda, a young medical student, leads a secret life as one of the best drivers of "Serbian Roulette" - illegal street-races taking place during nighttime in downtown Belgrade. His older brother Mihajlo, once a top driver of "Roulette" himself, now a renowned anesthesiologist, gets involved in a maze of blackmail, conspiracy and revenge, when a former childhood friend Boban, a corrupt police inspector, threatens to incarcerate Petar for the deadly crash he supposedly done. In disturbing search for his brother, Mihajlo is drawn into a tangled web of corrupt Belgrade police, immense dark labyrinth of Secret service and brutal world of "Serbian Roulette". The search turns into his personal pursuit of meaning of life, and literally, into the race of life and death.

Directed by Predrag Stojić

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Predrag Stojić
Writer
  • Marko Krstić

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Off examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Predrag Stojić 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 2015, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Off took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 70 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 9 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.

Historical Context

  • In 2015, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Off shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Alraune, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Off offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Flatliners and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift explore similar territory, Off stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: June 4, 2015
  • Runtime: 1h 10m