Is Four Passports Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)
The film is a story of immigration and identity after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Mihajlo Jevtic. It follows the period of transition of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into today's Serbia and Mihajlo's transition from a child into a middle aged man. It is a film made by a man who is about to leave his country for good and about the contents of his immigrant's suitcase. Story about one country and four passports, a farewell that was in the making for 25 years. Combining the present-day footage, his family's Super 8 home videos and animation, Mihajlo reflects on growing up in a society that has been falling apart.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Documentary cinema, then Four Passports offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2016 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Four Passports, a standout production of 2016, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The film is a story of immigration and identity after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Mihajlo Jevtic. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The film is a story of immigration and identity after the dissolution of former Yugoslavia, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Mihajlo Jevtic. It follows the period of transition of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia into today's Serbia and Mihajlo's transition from a child into a middle aged man. It is a film made by a man who is about to leave his country for good and about the contents of his immigrant's suitcase. Story about one country and four passports, a farewell that was in the making for 25 years. Combining the present-day footage, his family's Super 8 home videos and animation, Mihajlo reflects on growing up in a society that has been falling apart."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Mihajlo Jevtić, the performance in Four Passports feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.
The direction by Mihajlo Jevtić is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 83 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Four Passports truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Four Passports explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Mihajlo Jevtić respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Four Passports is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mihajlo Jevtić or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Four Passports is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.