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The Years of Decision

The Years of Decision (1984)

Jan 01, 1984 1h 30m Drama

When Peter comes back from the war, he finds his father changed and alone. Their former maid, Leni, has also left and soon Peter's grandfather also dies. His father begins writing his memoirs of his Partisan years. Peter blames his father for his mother's death, but the final blow comes when he catches his father together with his (Peter's) former girlfriend. He moves in with his brother and accuses Leni of having had an affair with his father. Peter decides to kill his father but cannot carry out the plan. His father tells him in a fit of rage that he isn't his son at all. Feeling desperate and down, he goes to Leni's place for comfort, and finds her dead on the floor. The police arrest Peter for the murder of Leni. Will Peter have to serve a jail sentence on his road to maturity and will political connections have a bearing on the final verdict of the trial? Peter doesn't even know whom he can trust anymore.

Directed by Boštjan Vrhovec

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Boštjan Vrhovec
Writer
  • Branko Gradišnik
  • Denis Poniž

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Years of Decision 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 Boštjan Vrhovec 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 1984, 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 The Years of Decision took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 397 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1984, when this film was released:
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

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

Unlike Little Peach, which focuses more on action than character development, The Years of Decision subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Requiem and Forbidden Games explore similar territory, The Years of Decision 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: January 1, 1984
  • Runtime: 1h 30m

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