Skinning - We are the Law is a powerful Serbian film that delves into the dark and gritty underbelly of urban society, exploring themes of nationalism, gang violence, and personal identity. Directed by Stevan Filipović, the film stars an ensemble cast headlined by Nikola Rakocevic and Viktor Savic.

Nikola Rakočević plays the role of Novica, a brilliant Mathematics student, an introvert whose unappealing physical looks and social awkwardness have made him the subject of constant humiliation and bullying. This drives the young man to seek solace in mathematics, where he finds order and predictability, unlike in real life. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he falls in love with Mina, played by Bojana Novaković. Chasing her heart compels him to navigate his way through the social circles that were previously alien to him.

Viktor Savic, on the other hand, portrays the character of Relja, the charismatic leader of the skinhead gang 'Belgrade Boys.' This group mainly comprises relatively structured, disciplined, and militant Serbian nationalists who pride themselves in vigilante justice. Introduction to this group takes Novica on a path that profoundly impacts his life.

As the plot unfolds, Novica’s path intersects with the violent and rebellious journey of a nationalist subculture notorious in Belgrade's streets, the skinheads. Spiraling fast into this group, Novica adopts their ideology, embraces their motto of 'We are the Law,' and finds himself embroiled in their chain of violence, vigilantism, and extreme nationalistic activities. This is a sharp contrast to his past life where numbers and equations were his only companions.

Simultaneously, the film also wisely addresses the political landscape of Serbia, hinting at the nation's tumultuous history with warfare and conflict. The nationalist struggles and the underlying violent tendencies serve as a backdrop to the central narrative, providing a rugged and raw examination of the sociopolitical scenario at the time.

An interesting aspect of Skinning - We are the Law is the realistic portrayal of the characters, bringing forth the raw and untamed energy of youth. The film explores the complex personalities of the characters who are not just rebellious youth but also victims of their circumstances. The transformation of Novica from a nerdy mathematician to a hardened skinhead paints a stark picture of how circumstances and influences can drastically mould an individual's persona.

Skinning - We are the Law is filled with visceral and heart-pounding moments, driving a deeply unsettling yet captivating storyline. The movie does not shy away from the portrayal of explicit violence, which serves to accentuate the grim realities that people entangled in such circles have to face.

Stepping away from the traditional norms of filmmaking, director Stevan Filipović adopts a non-linear storytelling approach that heightens the movie's overall intensity and maintains a suspenseful ambiance until the very end.

The cinematography by Milos Kodemo provides much-needed grit and grunge to the film, conveying a profound sense of despair and instability. Yet, the film isn't without its poignant moments, intertwined within the narrative, showcasing profound relationships, broken hearts, and the struggle for belonging.

From a performance standpoint, both Rakočević and Savić deliver compelling portrayals, effectively reflecting their character’s inner conflicts and dark sides. Savić proves a terrifying adversary and seductive mentor, while Rakočević is captivating in his trajectory from math whizz to hardened nationalist, delivering an intense and heartbreaking performance.

Overall, Skinning - We are the Law is a disturbing exploration of the skinhead subculture, nationalism, and the tumultuous landscape of urban Serbia, which elegantly combines underlying tones of love, betrayal, and personal identity. It is a compelling watch for those interested in authentic filmmaking that does not shy away from showing the darker sides of society.