Tilva Rosh is a Serbian coming-of-age film that was released in 2010. The film follows the life of two teenage boys who are best friends, Toda and Stefan. They both live in a small town called Bor, located in Eastern Serbia. They hang out with their friends, drink beer, swim in the nearby river and cause a little bit of trouble. Toda and Stefan are the two top students in their high school. They are part of the local skateboarding gang, and they are known to be among the best skateboarders in town. Their gang is called "Tilva Rosh," which means "Tilva's Hill" in Romanian. It is said that the name was taken from a hill in Romania where some of the skateboarders used to skate.
One day, the boys hear about a big skateboarding competition that is going to be held in Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia. They decide to participate in the competition with the hope of winning the big prize money. For Toda and Stefan, the competition is not just about winning the prize money; it is also an opportunity to prove their skills as skateboarders and to make something of themselves.
As they prepare for the competition, both boys face different challenges in their personal lives. Toda's father is an abusive alcoholic who beats him and his mother regularly. He finds refuge in skateboarding and his friendship with Stefan. Stefan, on the other hand, is in love with a girl from his class, but he is too shy to approach her. The two boys support each other through their struggles, and their friendship is what keeps them going.
The movie explores the themes of friendship, the struggles of adolescence, and the desire to make something of oneself. The cinematography is stunning, and the soundtrack is exceptional. The film is shot in a documentary-style, which gives the viewer an intimate look at the lives of the two boys and their friends. The director, Nikola Lezaic, captures the spirit of Serbia's skateboarding culture and the small-town mindset perfectly.
The performances given by the actors, especially Marko Todorovic and Stefan Djordjevic, are authentic and moving. Todorovic's portrayal of Toda's emotions is remarkable, and Djordjevic's depiction of Stefan's shyness and vulnerability is both heartwarming and relatable.
The film also highlights the economic struggles of Serbia's youth. The characters are from lower-middle-class families, and they have to work part-time jobs to support themselves. The harsh economic realities of Serbia are evident throughout the film, but it is not the main focus of the story. The focus is on the boys' dreams and aspirations, and their desire to break free from the monotony of their small town life.
Overall, Tilva Rosh is a powerful and emotional film that touches the heart of the viewer. It is a story of friendship, hope, and perseverance. It is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and it reminds us that no matter how hard life gets, we can always find a way to make something of ourselves. Tilva Rosh is a must-watch for anyone who loves coming-of-age films and those who enjoy unique and compelling stories from around the world.
Tilva Rosh is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.
