Underplayed Gems

Mirage (2004)

Mirage poster
Original title
Илузија
Directed by
Svetozar Ristovski
Genre
drama film
Country
North Macedonia
Runtime
1h 47m
Rated
18+
Rating
6.8 of 10 from 16 voters
Elsewhere
IMDb
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How it feels

A talented schoolboy in post-independence Macedonia faces abuse and betrayal. His hopes for a better future are crushed, and he turns to crime.

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What happens

Mirage (Macedonian: Илузија; transliterated Iluzija) is a 2004 Macedonian drama film starring Vlado Jovanovski, Mustafa Nadarević, Nikola Đuričko, and Dejan Aćimović, with Marko Kovačević debuting in its lead role. It was directed by Svetozar Ristovski, who co-wrote the film with Grace Lea Troje. Taking place in the city of Veles, the film is a coming-of-age story about a talented but abused schoolboy who is betrayed by illusory hopes of a better future and transformed by harsh circumstances into a criminal. It offers a grim depiction of post-independence Macedonia, portraying it as a site of violence and corruption. Mirage was Ristovski's feature debut as a director. Following its release in Canada and the United States, it was well-received by most critics, who have generally praised the film for its uncompromising realism and lead actor's performance. It won Best Feature Film during the 2005 Anchorage International Film Festival and was nominated for the Tokyo Grand Prix during the 2004 Tokyo International Film Festival. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)

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