Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day | Review by: Stefano Bove

Four close friends and renowned filmmakers in 1959’s Yugoslavia are out to make a feature film of the war. They have a unique perspective and are able to discuss the war as decorated war veterans.

Lovro, Nenad, Stevan and Ivan use film to express themselves and criticize society but that doesn’t sit well with the Yugoslavian Communist Party. As The Party steps in to control the film for propagandistic reasons, the four filmmakers fear it may be to gain insight on their sexual orientation.

Emir Hadžihafizbegović is entrusted by the head of the Communist Party to oversee the films production but is also told by the party to sabotage the film by any means necessary. Emir as well as our four filmmakers are all exceptional in this film. The dynamic between these five actors is a wave of emotions as Emir hides his true intentions and the filmmakers hide their sexual orientation from the world.

The film is in a gorgeous black and white and boasts absolutely stunning cinematography from interior scenes, vast landscape shots and many beautiful water scenes. I first thought the black and white was just to represent the period but it holds significant meaning which is a surprising addition to an already incredible story.

Writer/ director, Ivona Juka tells this devastating story of the many consequences that followed communist Yugoslavia, post wwII. The war may have been over but the battle for freedom and liberty was far from over. Lovro, Nenad, Stevan and Ivan are fighting for their own independence and freedom while trying to use art as a tool to spread awareness to the masses. It is a story of rebellion and human resilience to never be silenced and How love and positivity has the power to change people and the world.

4/5

Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day is screening at the following cinemas

Ottawa
• Club Saw (May 29)
Vancouver
• VIFF Centre
• The Rio (June - TBA)
Toronto
• Imagine Cinemas Carlton
Victoria
• The Roxy (June 20, 21 & 26)

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