Introduced to the world in 2016, Hunting Flies is a combination of a thrilling crime drama and a dark comedy. Directed by Izer Aliu and written by Izer Aliu and Bardarbunga, the film takes you to a world where graft, dysfunctional leadership, and just damn prejudices are the order of the day. The movie follows the life of a school principal named Elma (played by Adriana Matoshi) and her local assistant, Nik (played by Besar Guta), in a small town in the Balkans. The story unfolds through two different timelines, the day of Elmaâs debut on a childrenâs TV program, and her husbandâs violent encounter with Nik at the school.
Nik is a no-nonsense assistant principal, with no patience for the docile personality of the principal, Elma. He is in charge of keeping the school running, though it is evident that he has no respect for the corrupt and inefficient leadership he serves.
The plot of the movie gains momentum as we see Elma's husband, Gezim, exhaust his patience with the school's principalâs lack of response to his reports regarding school improvements. The disagreement leads to an attempt to beat up Nik, but he eventually overpowers every single one of Gezimâs friends. The ensuing fight is intense, and it leaves the audience reeling in suspense.
As the chaos unfolds, the movie takes on interesting themes such as xenophobia, discrimination, and the limitations of power. The sheer violence of the scene is both heart wrenching and thought-provoking, leaving audiences questioning the need for such violence in our society.
In the aftermath of the fight, Gezim (Jasin Mustafa) finds himself facing terrible consequences. He has broken Nik's jaw, forced his family to flee the town, and possibly ruined his marriage.
With Hunting Flies, Izer Aliu has created a darkly humorous and thrilling film that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Though it is far from being relaxing, Hunting Flies is a film of genuine merit and outstanding achievements.
Overall, the performances by the actors in Hunting Flies were strong, the plotline was well-developed, and the themes explored were impactful. It is easy to understand why the movie became an instant hit upon its release in 2016.
Without giving too much away, it is easy to say that Hunting Flies is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys dark comedies, thought-provoking themes, and thrilling crime dramas. Izer Aliu has skilfully created a movie that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. Whether you are a fan of Albanian cinema or not, Hunting Flies is a film that you will not want to miss.
In short, Hunting Flies is a gripping film that highlights the societal problems that we all face today. Through the characters, the plot and themes, the movie offers an insight into the world that is thought-provoking, humorous, and informative. It is a cinematic masterpiece that deserves all the accolades that it has received.