Film Review - A Serbian Film

Written by David Clarke

This is my first post for the FS space and consequently I thought that it would only be fitting to write a review for a film, which has shaken the very core of my self.


Not in a good way.


This picture is a still from the movie, at one of it's and film in general's most harrowing moments. I specifically chose this shot as I think it is what best serves as an answer to the near impossible question "What did you think of the film?".


Cutting to the point A Serbian film is a horror film about a retired pornstar, who is offered the opportunity to take part in a film which will supposedly change the history of Serbia, Film, Art and of course Pornography. It is a horrible, despicable film, one which can be bought in HMV, but is also banned worldwide. If you were to ask for my genuine opinion I would say DO NOT WATCH THIS MOVIE, so if you have acquiesced curiosities' call then do not blame me.


However, before I damn this film to the very bowels of hell there are a few points that need to be made in it's favor. A Serbian Film has sights, which many feel that some should never be subjected to, but (and here comes the gravity) this shit happened people! Well... not exactly, it's not based on a true story, but if you are familiar with your Serbian history, or failing that, have ever heard of the Kosovo War, would know that it's history is a (extremely) dark one. Bearing this in mind it becomes hard to deny that A Serbian film is indeed an intelligent one and should be commended as such.


Although, bearing this in mind and going over the film in one's head, you start to question whether what happens in the film is really necessary. I have not given much away, as I will try to as little as possible while reviewing films, but stuff gets seriously grim, but for the sake of obtaining your bearings think Hostel/Saw but worse and very sexual. So now you have a rough idea of what we could be dealing with I would like to assert that, even though this film has intellectual intentions, it goes about it in completely the wrong way. It goes so far beyond the proverbial line that you forget all about the line and darkness and despair is all that is left.


Furthermore, A Serbian Film is categorized as a horror film, but while watching it I felt no fear or emotion akin to it. I don't know whether or not this is because I may have finally watched too many horror films and thus become immune to fear (definitely not true the BBC remake of Whistle and I'll Come to You, nearly made me cry, I was so scared). What I suspect is because the gore and depravity goes so far, so quickly the ability of being scared is disabled by a feeling of absolute subjugation in the hellish world of the writer and director.


So to bring this review to a close, A Serbian Film is undoubtedly the last word in gore, if your blood lust was not quenched by Saw and Hostel and you NEED more, then by all means go for it. But if you are a bit squeamish or not to fond of the sight of blood, violence or in general scary films then DO NOT WATCH THIS FILM. Not even to see what the fuss is about, if you do, you will hate me forever for bringing it to your conscious, and it's just not worth it.


Wishing you many sleepful nights.