A review by deepkino

Written by deepkino on 2025-09-18

"Every day in every way I'm getting better and better"! Emir Kusturica's feature film debut, Sjećaš li se, Dolly Bell? is a poetic coming-of-age story that subtly introduces the themes and visual style of a future cinematic master. Set in 1960s Sarajevo, the film follows Dino, a young man navigating adolescence and his first love. Unlike Kusturica's later, more chaotic films, Dolly Bell is marked by a gentler, more melancholic tone. It blends observational realism with moments of whimsical fantasy to explore Dino's inner world. The film is a crucial precursor to Kusturica's signature style, and it stands as a testament to his innate talent, earning him the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival.