DIRECTOR: Miroslav Lekic
STARRING: Nebojsa Dugalic, Zarko Lausevic, Paulina Manov
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 27 minutes
LANGUAGE: Serbian
In the year 1973, there's turmoil between Kosovo Serbs and Albanians in the autonomous province of Kosovo. The film is a story that describes the beginning of the crisis in Kosovo.
***
Russian Consul is the latest film from Miroslav Lekic, and it's the second time he's been submitted for Serbia. His previous film was Labyrinth in 2002. The film debuted at the Belgrade International Film Festival in March 3, 2024 and subsequently it was released in theatres across the country. Paulina Manov has been receiving praise for her performance in the film. The film stars Zarko Lausevic in his last role before passing away. The film is based on the bestseller of the same name by Vuk Draskovic, which was published in dozens of countries around the world. Vuk Draskovic is a famous Serbian writer, at one time the leader of the famous opposition party, one of the main opponents of Slobodan Milosevic.
The selection committee for the Serbian candidate for the Oscar award consists of Dimce Stojanovski, president, Biljana Maksic, Darko Bajic, Dejan Dabic, Bozidar Zecevic, Dorde Milosavljevic and Milos Jankovic. Russian Consul won with nine votes over the runner-up who had seven votes, which was That's It For Today by Marko Dordevic. The Film Center of Serbia thanks the members of the Selection Committee for their work.
It is produced by Visionteam and Telekom Srbij with support from Film Centre Serbia.
Russian Consul is a drama and it was filmed in Prizren, Kosovo.
To check out all previous submissions for Serbia, click HERE.
STARRING: Nebojsa Dugalic, Zarko Lausevic, Paulina Manov
RUNNING TIME: 2 hrs 27 minutes
LANGUAGE: Serbian
In the year 1973, there's turmoil between Kosovo Serbs and Albanians in the autonomous province of Kosovo. The film is a story that describes the beginning of the crisis in Kosovo.
***
Russian Consul is the latest film from Miroslav Lekic, and it's the second time he's been submitted for Serbia. His previous film was Labyrinth in 2002. The film debuted at the Belgrade International Film Festival in March 3, 2024 and subsequently it was released in theatres across the country. Paulina Manov has been receiving praise for her performance in the film. The film stars Zarko Lausevic in his last role before passing away. The film is based on the bestseller of the same name by Vuk Draskovic, which was published in dozens of countries around the world. Vuk Draskovic is a famous Serbian writer, at one time the leader of the famous opposition party, one of the main opponents of Slobodan Milosevic.
The selection committee for the Serbian candidate for the Oscar award consists of Dimce Stojanovski, president, Biljana Maksic, Darko Bajic, Dejan Dabic, Bozidar Zecevic, Dorde Milosavljevic and Milos Jankovic. Russian Consul won with nine votes over the runner-up who had seven votes, which was That's It For Today by Marko Dordevic. The Film Center of Serbia thanks the members of the Selection Committee for their work.
It is produced by Visionteam and Telekom Srbij with support from Film Centre Serbia.
Russian Consul is a drama and it was filmed in Prizren, Kosovo.
To check out all previous submissions for Serbia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
Russian Consul is a profound and deeply moving film that transcends its setting in Kosovo to deliver a universal message about personal integrity, resistance, and the tragic consequences of conflict. Based on Vuk Drašković's bestseller, the film follows Serbian doctor Ilija Jugović, who is sent to a hospital in Prizren, Kosovo, as punishment after the death of a patient in Belgrade. There, he meets Ljubo Božović, a former history professor who now believes himself to be a representative of Imperial Russia. As Jugović uncovers the pressures Božović faces from local Albanian separatists, the film evolves into a powerful exploration of human dignity and the courage to stand against oppression.
What sets Russian Consul apart is its anti-war and civilizational message. This is not a film about Russians or war in the traditional sense. Instead, it tells the story of two individuals whose lives are torn apart by the political turmoil around them, highlighting the devastating impact of ideological and territorial conflicts on ordinary people. Director Žarko Laušević, in his final role as Božović, delivers a haunting performance as a man clinging to his delusions as a means of defying those who seek to strip him of his home and identity.
The heart of the film lies in the relationship between Jugović and Božović. Nebojša Dugalić’s portrayal of Jugović is both nuanced and empathetic, capturing the inner turmoil of a man who initially sees Božović as just another patient but soon becomes his defender against the brutal local forces. The chemistry between Dugalić and Laušević is palpable, and their evolving bond is central to the film's emotional depth. Jugović’s growing involvement in Božović’s fight against the corrupt local authorities adds layers to the narrative, turning it into a story about personal and moral responsibility.
The film captures the stark beauty of its setting in Kosovo, using long, meditative shots to emphasize the isolation and desperation of its characters. The cold, oppressive atmosphere mirrors the political tension and the looming sense of danger that pervades the story. The tension escalates as the powerful Halit Berisha, representing the local separatists, exerts his influence to push Božović out of his home, with violence and intimidation affecting not only him but the entire Serbian community in Kosovo.
Russian Consul is a compelling film that goes beyond historical or political commentary to offer a timeless reflection on human resilience and the cost of standing up for one’s beliefs. It is a fitting tribute to Žarko Laušević, whose final performance is a testament to his talent and legacy. The film’s powerful message, rooted in Drašković’s acclaimed novel, resonates long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of those caught in the crossfire of history’s tragedies.
(This review contains spoilers.)
“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.”
Russian Consul is a profound and deeply moving film that transcends its setting in Kosovo to deliver a universal message about personal integrity, resistance, and the tragic consequences of conflict. Based on Vuk Drašković's bestseller, the film follows Serbian doctor Ilija Jugović, who is sent to a hospital in Prizren, Kosovo, as punishment after the death of a patient in Belgrade. There, he meets Ljubo Božović, a former history professor who now believes himself to be a representative of Imperial Russia. As Jugović uncovers the pressures Božović faces from local Albanian separatists, the film evolves into a powerful exploration of human dignity and the courage to stand against oppression.
What sets Russian Consul apart is its anti-war and civilizational message. This is not a film about Russians or war in the traditional sense. Instead, it tells the story of two individuals whose lives are torn apart by the political turmoil around them, highlighting the devastating impact of ideological and territorial conflicts on ordinary people. Director Žarko Laušević, in his final role as Božović, delivers a haunting performance as a man clinging to his delusions as a means of defying those who seek to strip him of his home and identity.
The heart of the film lies in the relationship between Jugović and Božović. Nebojša Dugalić’s portrayal of Jugović is both nuanced and empathetic, capturing the inner turmoil of a man who initially sees Božović as just another patient but soon becomes his defender against the brutal local forces. The chemistry between Dugalić and Laušević is palpable, and their evolving bond is central to the film's emotional depth. Jugović’s growing involvement in Božović’s fight against the corrupt local authorities adds layers to the narrative, turning it into a story about personal and moral responsibility.
The film captures the stark beauty of its setting in Kosovo, using long, meditative shots to emphasize the isolation and desperation of its characters. The cold, oppressive atmosphere mirrors the political tension and the looming sense of danger that pervades the story. The tension escalates as the powerful Halit Berisha, representing the local separatists, exerts his influence to push Božović out of his home, with violence and intimidation affecting not only him but the entire Serbian community in Kosovo.
Russian Consul is a compelling film that goes beyond historical or political commentary to offer a timeless reflection on human resilience and the cost of standing up for one’s beliefs. It is a fitting tribute to Žarko Laušević, whose final performance is a testament to his talent and legacy. The film’s powerful message, rooted in Drašković’s acclaimed novel, resonates long after the credits roll, leaving viewers to ponder the fate of those caught in the crossfire of history’s tragedies.
