When Father Was Away on Business

When Father Was Away on Business is a Yugoslavian drama film from 1985. The movie is set in the 1950s, during the period of Stalinist rule in Yugoslavia. The movie was directed by Emir Kusturica, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Abdulah Sidran.

The film tells the story of a young boy named Malik (Moreno De Bartoli) and his family. Malik's father, Mesha (Predrag 'Miki' Manojlovic), is a well-respected communist party official in their town. However, when Mesha is arrested and sent to a labor camp, Malik and his family must learn to adapt to life without him.

The movie explores the effects of Mesha's absence on his family and the community around them. Malik's mother Sena (Mirjana Karanovic) struggles to provide for her children while dealing with the emotional turmoil of not knowing when her husband will return. Malik is forced to grow up quickly and take on new responsibilities in his father's absence.

When Father Was Away on Business has been praised for its powerful portrayal of life under a communist regime, as well as its sensitive exploration of family dynamics. The film was awarded the Palme d'Or at the 1985 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

The movie is shot in a realistic style, with a focus on the details of everyday life. The settings are bleak and utilitarian, reflecting the atmosphere of the time. The film's score is composed by Goran Bregović and features traditional Eastern European music, adding to the movie's authenticity and emotional impact.

Overall, When Father Was Away on Business is a thought-provoking and poignant film that examines the effects of political upheaval on ordinary people. It is a true masterpiece of world cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Yugoslavia or the human experience under oppressive regimes.