ifasmilecanhelp This story, as I guess, is unknown to a non Balkans inhabitant, as I am, Swiss born... In fact I stumbled upon the attractive title, and after reading the comments, decided to give it a chance... How glad ! It was a very pleasant and nice surprise... A story without any violence, no explosion, no cgi, and dated from 2008 ! Incredible, for what is supposed to be an Action/Crime/Drama movie :-) But it works perfectly... The right touch ! Even though there is a Porsche car involved... almost the central focusing point of the movie, the stunts are very few... In fact there are almost inexistent in The Belgrade Phantom, but nevertheless the subtle tension all along the movie, pictured like a kind of documentary holds the long run. If you only need strong adrenaline all along a movie to appreciate one and stunts that are possible only in movies, fights, blood and bones, better avoid this excellent one ! I expected it to be an imaginative story and it turns out it was based on a real event and on a real "Phantom" named Vlada Vasiljevic. The acting, if not absolutely memorable, is strong enough from all the actors and the interviews were carefully chosen to keep up the rather slow pace of the movie, and even more believable to make an excellent movie. Imho, the concern of the director was more to focus on the mystery side, than on the stunts, and for me, it worked perfectly. The thief/driver doesn't have a single line in the hole movie... but again it works ! In fact, this is another incredible thing... Being able to make a suspense/mystery movie where the tension doesn't rely on the fear and sudden (hit/blow... anything) effect, but on the "whole stuff itself"... I have some difficulty to precise my thoughts in English... but I hope you'll get the point ! Forgot also to mention this movie reminds me another "road movie" I like very much : Vanishing Point (1971) much more on the adrenaline side... I found The Belgrade Phantom very human, and only in the good way of the meaning "human". The rebel here, is very gentle, very kind ! Why not ? Everything is a question of spirit ! Last thing, obviously felt sorry (of course it was predictable) that the guy died at the end... That was the effective End...*** a film is never really good unless the camera is an eyes in the head of a poet Orson Welles ***

Beolex This movie is outstanding. The dark streets, the music, and the old buildings really give you the feeling like you are in the old Socialist Yugoslavia. It's really a blast from the past. The storyline is gripping, and fun to watch. There is not one spot in the movie that is boring. There were some flaws, like newer cars visible, modern apparel, modern buildings, but man... this movie really shows you how life was back in SFRY Yugoslavia! 10/10, I hope the same director makes plenty more movies. He definitely has the right image in his head, and hopefully he can make more movies taking place during the 1970's and 1980's of Yugoslavia. Really great movie, that's all I can say.

nestornestor78 I saw the film two times in the movie theater and couldn't believe the previous comment! This is definitely one of the best Serbian films, especially in the last 15 years. This person must have personal reasons for his comment, because all of the reviews in the media, and what I heard people saying, including me is that this film is wonderful. Great mix of documentary and fiction, wonderful actors that really look like the authentic people, fantastic pictures, i loved it! I know the story of the Fantom from my parents, and it really didn't disappoint my expectations. Again, opposed to the previous comment, one of the strongest points of the film is the atmosphere, the actors, the photography and the interviews which are a true delight no only to me, but the whole movie theater was overwhelmed by their charm and wits. Sorry, but i recommend this film not only to those interested in Serbian film, but anyone in search of good cinema.

fallguy_jack I really enjoyed this film. I wasn't judging this movie as I would a Hollywood project. It surpasses nearly all of them anyway because it's got soul. People who were there give recounts of their own experiences and perspectives, between the recreations which were very well done. The film has a real 70's feel to it, so masterfully portrayed it's tougher to tell the difference in eras between the actual clips and the recreations, than it is to tell the difference between the recreations and the interviews. If the interviews were not shot in modern crispness, you wouldn't be able to tell this movie wasn't actually from the era of the phantom.The story of the phantom and his effect on the people, especially during a time of tyranny in a police state is inspiring, and even some of the police who were the younger officers at the time admit to secretly admiring him.I'm sure most people will like it, only those who try not to won't.