If there is a director from the Balkans whose work is riveting, it’s undoubtedly Slobodan Šijan. He’s also a painter who graduated from both the Faculty of Dramatic Arts and the Fine Arts Academy in Belgrade.
Two things make Sijan incredible. First, he’s part of one of the best generations of directors from Yugoslavia, alongside Goran Markovic, Rajko Grlic, Goran Paskeljevic, etc. Second, he’s one of the most authentic filmmakers, not just from Serbia, but also worldwide.
In this article, we’ll rank Slobodan Šijan movies, from worst to best. Let’s begin.
Everything That Was Nice
Fantastic, good, or bad, all Slobodan Šijan movies have something similar – authenticity. The same goes for this experimental film. It shows glimpses of his early visual style, but it lacks the narrative clarity that later defined his masterpieces. Everything That Was Nice feels more like an artistic sketchbook than a complete film.
Still, it’s interesting for fans who want to see where Šijan’s cinematic journey began. For casual viewers, though, it doesn’t leave much of an impact. However, it has an interesting cast, including Dragomir Felba, Adem Cejvan, Tomanija Djuricko, Ljuba Moljac, etc.
What Happened with Filip Preradovic
This film builds on themes of alienation and absurdity, but it remains somewhat underdeveloped. While it shows Šijan’s knack for character study, the pacing and execution feel uneven.
The story of Filip Preradović doesn’t fully engage the audience, leaving it more of a curiosity than a standout. That said, it highlights Šijan’s willingness to experiment with form and tone. It’s important historically, even though not one of his strongest works.
Still, What Happened with Filip Preradovic has something that only Slobodan Sijan can deliver, and that’s his authentic absurdity.
The Great Tram Robbery
With The Great Tram Robbery, Šijan dips into playful storytelling with an excellent cast. The film takes on a comic yet satirical tone, while the narrative is fragmented.
It’s a biography movie about Boshko Tokin, who was one of the founders of Zenitism. He was also the director of the first avant-garde film in Serbia. It may not be a sensation, but it undoubtedly delivers enjoyable moments.
Mammoth Bone
Mammoth Bone may have gained more attention, but it was a TV movie. More importantly, it came out in 1980, the same year Who’s Singin’ Over There came out, which is his best movie. Therefore, the entire attention moved toward the latter.
This one has inventive imagery, resembling an art film, and it demonstrates Sijan’s commitment to experimentation. It’s a movie that’s most appreciated by fans of avant-garde cinema. Aside from legends Slavko Stimac and Bata Stojkovic, the cast also includes legendary musician Djordje Balasevic.
Most Beautiful Room
Most Beautiful Room is an interesting story about a family who are looking forward to a new apartment in the city. It marks an improvement in Šijan’s storytelling balance. The atmosphere is haunting, and he starts to show his unique ability to mix surrealism with grounded settings.
The concept of “the most beautiful room” allows for visual inventiveness. It’s a sign of Šijan moving toward his cinematic peak. While not among his masterpieces, it shows an artist sharpening his tools.
How I Was Systematically Destroyed by an Idiot
This film showcases Šijan’s humor, irony, and sense of absurdity at full force. Šijan made this movie during his most productive period, from 1980 to 1984.
It’s a story about a very well-read Marxist homeless man who wants to live a life of revolutions, while he’s coping with Che Guevara’s death. It resonated with audiences because the leading man is bitter at his old capitalist boss, blaming him for his misery. The performances are sharp, and the satire lands effectively. It’s a darkly funny and insightful movie that deserves attention.
The leading role is played by the acting legend Danilo Bata Stojkovic.
Strangler vs. Strangler
All Slobodan Šijan movies are positively bizarre, but Strangler vs Strangler is arguably his most bizarre and fascinating film. It remains a cult classic, blending dark comedy, horror, and social satire in ways few directors would dare attempt.
The story of a flower-selling strangler becomes both terrifying and hilarious. The film captures the absurdity of violence while satirizing media phenomenalism. For many, it’s Šijan’s most daring work, though its grotesque humor isn’t for everyone.
The cast includes A-list actors like Tasko Nacic, Sonja Savic, Nikola Simic, etc.
The Marathon Family
The Marathon Family is a legendary dark comedy about a family of undertakers. The script, written by Dušan Kovačević, pairs perfectly with Šijan’s directing style.
The movie critiques greed, tradition, and generational conflict through absurd and often shocking humor. It stands as one of the sharpest satires in Balkan cinema and a defining moment in Šijan’s career.
Also, brilliant performances make the film endlessly quotable. Sijan always has a great cast in his films, but this one is something else. It includes great actors like Bogdan Diklic, Pavle Vuisic, Bata Stojkovic, Zoran Radmilovic, Mija Aleksic, Radislav Lazarevic, Mica Tomic, Seka Sablic, etc.
Who’s Singin’ Over There?
Šijan’s masterpiece, Who’s Singin’ Over There?, is a timeless classic. Set on the eve of World War II, it follows a bus ride full of quirky characters representing different layers of society. With humor, irony, and a sense of tragedy, Šijan paints a portrait of a nation on the brink of collapse.
The film’s ending remains one of the most powerful in cinema history. It’s his best work, but also one of the top movies ever. Here, he also includes a group of excellent actors, including Pavle Vuisić, Dragan Nikolic, Bata Stojkovic, Neda Arneric, Aleksandar Bercek, etc.
Final Words on Slobodan Šijan Movies
Šijan’s career moves from experimental shorts to some of the most iconic films of all time. His painterly eye and surreal sense of humor separate him from his contemporaries.
With Who’s Singin’ Over There? and The Marathon Family, Slobodan Sijan cemented himself as one of the greatest directors in the region. He has received nominations and awards at many events, including the Chicago International Film Festival, Montréal World Film Festival, Pula Film Festival, etc.
All Slobodan Šijan movies remain essential viewing for anyone interested in Balkan cinema and beyond!
framebyframecritic 