Balkan ekspres (1983)

Group of petty criminals is trying to make some money under the disguise of musical band in Nazi-occupied Serbia.

Director:

Branko Baletic

Writer:

Gordan Mihic

Stars:

Dragan Nikolic, Bora Todorovic, Tanja Boskovic

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Dragan Nikolic	...	Popaj
Bora Todorovic	...	Pik
Tanja Boskovic	...	Lili
Velimir 'Bata' Zivojinovic	...	Stojcic (as Bata Zivojinovic)
Olivera Markovic	...	Tetka
Radko Polic	...	Kapetan Ditrih
Toma Zdravkovic	...	Pevac
Branko Cvejic	...	Kostica
Bogdan Diklic	...	Zuti
Ratko Tankosic	...	Kelner (as Rale Tankosic)
Milo Miranovic	...	Agent
Predrag Miletic	...	Nemacki oficir Gerd
Milan Erak	...	Bosko
Gojko Baletic	...	Kelner
Hajdana Baletic	...	Mala Jevrejka

Storyline

Group of petty criminals is trying to make some money under the disguise of musical band in Nazi-occupied Serbia.

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Plot Keywords:

world war two

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Genres:

Comedy | War

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Details

Country:

Yugoslavia

Language:

Serbian German

Release Date:

1983 (Yugoslavia)

Also Known As:

Balkan Express

Company Credits

Production Co:

Art Film 80, Inex Film

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Followed by Balkan Express 2 (1988)

User Reviews

The funny side of the World War II

This funny petty thieves gang led by Tetka (Olivera Markovic) and Mr. Stojcic (Zivojinovic) lead a hilarious life in the wartime Serbia. As they pose as musicians - a memorable, very functional soundtrack - they run into situations found only in an occupied country. Filmed in a low budget circumstances, this movie breaks up every myth of war heroes: just trying to save their lives would lead these guys into a heroic acts such as sabotage. Made out of several episodes, this comedy feature gives also a stunning insight into the dark side of the war - one can be shot just for kicks of an enemy soldier.

Excellent leading cast is supported by marvellous Radko Polic as evil-looking and acting German officer, who blows the the gang's cover. A cameo by very popular singer Toma Zdravkovic of the 1980s gives that true bohemic atmosphere. And "the eternal support actor" Predrag Milinkovic as the violinist also gives a good performance. "Balkan ekspres" if filled with some really laughable one-liners. Jokes are obviously hard to translate, but here are some of the quotes:

Pik (trying to escape from German officer): "I just have to give my aunt the medicine."

(The gang discusses future plans) Stojcic: "After this job, I am off to Casablanca!" Tetka: "And where is that?" Stojcic: "In Switzerland!"