Noutions Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

Afouotos Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Bea Swanson This film is so real. It treats its characters with so much care and sensitivity.

Smoreni Zmaj This is the first feature film shot entirely in the Romany language, and I was forced to watch the domestic film with English subtitles, because I did not understand almost anything without it. Except for cursing, of course. The film received five-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival and Kusturica won the Best Director award. Totally deserved, because this surreal drama is probably his life's achievement. The somewhat fairy-tale atmosphere of this movie totally hypnotized me and over two hours flew by in a moment. A special acknowledgment should be given to the cast, as its major part consists of amateurs with only a few professional actors. In particular, I have to single out the scene of St. George celebration on the river, which is one of the most impressive movie scenes I've ever seen in my life, and which would probably have provided Academy Award to this film, if it was an American movie.10/10

peruhealing Not sure why the film has such positive reviews. It is predictable in the sense that you know the main character is getting screwed, you know nothing good will come of it, and you have a pretty good idea how it will all end. You can't do anything about it, so if you choose to watch it to the end, you just end up feeling bad about human beings in general. I did not watch the last 30 minutes or so, because I already knew what was coming. There is very little comedy in this film, and a lot of drama. The drama is good but you have to be into heavy films. I much preferred the only other film I saw by Kustrica - Life is a Miracle. To me that film is a masterpiece. This one is not quite.

blake-wands This film has a little bit of everything: comedy, love, drama, success, and failure. This Kusturica film has the viewer enticed throughout, by relating to anyone who's dreamed of achieving something great. The protagonist, Perhan, starts as a young boy and learns the good and the bad parts of growing up and having increased responsibilities for himself and for his family. He learns that the world isn't always what it seems and you have to adapt to the situations around you. Kusturica employs many elements of magical realism within the film, by having Perhan and his grandmother have special abilities, which are seen as rare, but normal within the film. Since Perhan and his family are gypsies, they make do with very little and find ways to survive. There are many occurrences in which Perhan is tasked with choosing between his family and opportunities to make money and the viewers find themselves asking what they would do if they found themselves in the same situation.This movie is directed wonderfully and gives a true and gritty look into the struggle one faces while trying to move up in the world and become successful. Kusturica also works to ensure its authenticity by having the film spoken in the native tongue of Romany. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is looking for a different take on the coming-of-age story.

Kacey Leggio I don't know where to begin writing about this movie. There are so many wonderful elements regarding this film, but I will try to get to the main ones so as to not get too extensive. This film was my first experience with director Emir Kusturica, and I must say, I am a huge fan. The acting in this film is fantastic - better than anything I've seen in a while. Set in both Yugoslavia and Italy, "Time of the Gypsies" takes you into a magical reality, that, in turn, brings you to a harsh conclusion about the human form, and the cyclical nature in which humans tend to get stuck. The protagonist of the film, Perhan, played by Davor Dujmović, brings you into the mind of a young man that is altogether enchanting and haunting. We approach him innocently through the beginning of the film, as he does us. Throughout the duration of the story, we become conflicted by the choices Perhan begins to make, taking us on a journey of growth, manipulation, understanding, chaos and betrayal. The magical realism that takes place in this film can be noted in multiple scenes, many of which leave you questioning both the film and yourself. You must use your own interpretation to receive what you want out of this story, which, in my opinion, is what makes a great movie. While fictional, the underlying truth that accompanies the choices Perhan comes to face, as well as those around him, all hone in on realities that many people are able to relate to. The cinematography and directing are nothing short of excellent, and I could not be happier about having the opportunity to have seen this film.