Next to Me

I must admit I was expecting the rehash of the same old teenage story already told when I was planing to go watch it, but I decided to give it a try and I haven't regretted the decision.

Acting is superb, and the story is the real picture of what happens in Serbian high school's albeit little bit exaggerated in some moments. From the identity crises to shame of being poor, and hiding your sexuality. It all happens. Drug dealing and the connections between hooligan groups and the students are part of the everyday lives of these kids, and the film shows it. Enthusiasm of some of the people that work in the schools is also shown through the actress that plays their teacher, and the resignation of the older generation also through magnificent Mirjana Karanović, that shows for a few minutes, but steals the show. Also the actress that plays "The Gothic Chick" is a great example of kids that are forced to grow up earlier and look on their peers through different eyes. She has a great career in front of her I predict. Her character is one played with such conviction that at the moments you forget that she acts, and start believing that she is that character in reality. Lead who plays The Basketball player is great at showing other side of the sports player, which is not often shown in the movies. Problems that he has to deal with and the maturity that his character brings to the fictional class, are worth of the sympathy. And maybe the biggest praise goes to the Slaven Doslo, that plays the cocky cool kid, who is the most popular boy in the class. All the girls want him, he has good looks, etc. all the things that matter to the kids of that age, but the secret that he hides, is all to well known to some people. He is great at conveying that message. All the props to the rest of the actors that play other students, and the supporting characters. They really did the great job. In my humble opinion this is The Best movie from the Serbia in last few years. I recommend it to all, especially to the kids that are still going to the high school.