Hey Babu Riba is a Yugoslavian cult film directed by Jovan JovanoviÄ. Released in 1985, the movie became an instant classic and won numerous awards. The title means "Hey, Babu Riba" in English and is a popular phrase in the ex-Yugoslavian region. The story follows four friends who are graduating from high school and embarking on a journey to adulthood. They each have their unique personalities and aspirations, but share a deep bond strengthened by growing up together in their hometown of Sarajevo, Bosnia. The main characters are Ismet (Relja Basic), Miki (Nebojsa Bakocevic), Suzana (Gala Videnovic), and Milorad (Srdjan Todorovic).
The first half of the movie is dedicated to the colorful and carefree days of their youth. They hang out, go on adventures, and spend time together. Ismet is the clown of the group, always making everyone laugh with his lighthearted and mischievous nature. Miki is the artist, quiet and introverted, but with a talent for music. Suzana is the object of affection for both Ismet and Miki, but she's not interested in either of them. Milorad is the outsider, the guy who comes from a wealthy family but doesn't fit in with the rest of the group.
Things start to change as they approach graduation. The tension between Miki and Ismet grows, as Miki feels like Ismet is holding him back from pursuing his dreams of making it as a musician. Suzana starts dating a guy named Borivoje, which causes jealousy and resentment within the group. Milorad is struggling with his own personal demons, trying to figure out who he is and where he belongs.
The second half of the movie takes a darker turn, as the lives of the characters are impacted by the political unrest and the war that engulfs their country. The once carefree and beautiful city they grew up in is now a war zone, with daily bombings and shootings. Their lives are no longer their own, as they are forced to fight for survival in a world where everything they once knew has been destroyed.
Hey Babu Riba is a coming-of-age movie that explores the themes of friendship, love, and the struggles of growing up against the backdrop of war. It's a beautiful and poignant story that captures the spirit of a generation and the impact of war on ordinary people. The performances are outstanding, especially Gala Videnovic who shines as the independent and rebellious Suzana. The music is also a highlight of the film, with a mix of traditional Bosnian folk tunes and rock songs.
Overall, Hey Babu Riba is a masterpiece of Yugoslavian cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in coming-of-age stories or wartime dramas. It's a film that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll, and continues to be relevant decades after its release.
