Underground

I found Underground to be full of irony, a bit difficult to follow, and full of energy. The irony comes from the fact that the film is categorized as a comedy when the story it’s trying to tell is so tragic. The energy, fast paced action, blaring trumpets, and exaggerated humor creates such a busy and confusing atmosphere that you forget that this is a time of great sadness. I believe this dark, twisted commotion felt on screen by the viewer is parallel to the consciousness of the Yugoslavian citizen. The seriousness of the war is masked over by the need to cause commotion. Despite all the activity, the film has moments when the humorous, energetic mood plunges into one of deep sadness: when younger Brother cries because his zoo is destroyed or when Vera dies after giving birth to her baby.