A bit of a curate's egg

To get the most out of this film you probably need a bit more than the very rudimentary knowledge of Yugoslav history most of us have. The portrayal of events through the perspective of three young boys circa 1950 is its greatest appeal, and boy can these charmers act! There are some intriguing adult characters too. But frankly it got a bit wearing at over two hours long, and the advertised humour is as low-key and sparingly rationed as meat in a wartime British sausage.

I'm sure it's a highly significant film from a highly significant director, but if the Balkans don't mean particularly much to you it's too long to make enough of an impact.