The Melon Route (Put lubenica) is a Croatian drama film from 2006, directed by Branko Schmidt. The movie tells the story of a small town in rural Croatia that is on the verge of economic collapse. The majority of the town's inhabitants work in a failing melon farm, which is struggling to compete with cheaper imports from neighboring countries.
Kreso (Kresimir Mikic) is a young man who has just returned to the town after serving a prison sentence for car theft. He is determined to turn his life around and create a better future for himself and his family. Kreso's older brother, Repic (Leon Lucev), is desperately trying to keep the family melon farm afloat, but he is fighting a losing battle against the foreign competition.
Mei Sun plays a Chinese woman named Mei who arrives in the town with a group of other immigrant workers. Mei is eager to work hard and make a better life for herself in Croatia, but she faces discrimination and hostility from some of the locals.
As the town struggles to survive, Kreso becomes increasingly involved in a smuggling operation that aims to get cheap, substandard melons from neighboring countries into Croatia. He hopes that this operation will save the family farm and allow him to provide for his loved ones. But when the operation goes wrong, Kreso is faced with difficult choices that will affect his future and the future of the town.
The Melon Route tells a poignant story of the struggles that small communities face in the face of economic hardship and globalization. The movie is a reflection on the importance of family, loyalty, and community in times of crisis. It also explores themes of immigration, xenophobia, and the difficulties faced by foreign workers in a new country.
The performances in The Melon Route are superb, particularly Kresimir Mikic's portrayal of Kreso. Mikic brings depth and complexity to the character, making him a sympathetic and relatable protagonist. Mei Sun's portrayal of Mei is also noteworthy, as she captures both the determination and vulnerability of her character.
The movie's setting is a key element of the story, and the Croatian countryside provides a beautiful and evocative backdrop to the action. Director Branko Schmidt does an excellent job of capturing the rhythms and textures of rural life, from the work on the melon farm to the local festivals and celebrations.
Overall, The Melon Route is a moving and insightful movie that offers a powerful critique of globalization and the erosion of local communities. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in Croatian cinema, rural life, or the effects of globalization on small communities.
