Before the collapse of Communism, the masses in Eastern Europe were led to believe that capitalism would bring wealth to everyone. However, this dream only became a reality for a tiny minority. The majority suddenly found themselves impoverished and bewildered by the seemingly effortless wealth of their more fortunate neighbors. The consequences of this sudden change are explored in Rage also known as Do koske, a Serbian drama from 1997 directed by Slobodan Skerlić.
The story unfolds in 1996 Belgrade, where only two classes of people enjoy a good life - those close to Milošević's regime and gangsters. Kovač (played by Lazar Ristovski) is one of Serbia's most successful gangsters, having accumulated enough wealth over the years to afford luxurious mansions, expensive cars, and attractive mistresses. Many young and impoverished Serbs see him as a role model, and in return, Kovač acts as a father figure to the young men working for him. However, his trust is betrayed by two teenagers who impulsively abduct him without any clear plan of what to do next. As they see an opportunity to gain instant wealth by torturing Kovač for his business secrets, the night unfolds into a spiral of senseless violence.
Many critics have drawn parallels between Rage and Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs, but this film is more inspired by the harsh realities of 1990s Serbia - a country torn apart by war, UN sanctions, a corrupt regime, a collapsed economy, and a moral vacuum in society. Rage echoes Dragojević's The Wounds, highlighting how the collapse of Communism left the younger generations adrift without moral guidance. The film portrays a world where the poor get poorer, and the rich get richer through illegal and violent means, offering young men a tempting path of crime over hard work and education.
Skerlić and co-writer Srđa Aleksić underscore this societal decay by juxtaposing the ruthless gangster Kovač with the two clueless protagonists. Kovač, while tough, represents a longing for a past where values and order existed. In a society where gangsters are revered, he strives to become a respectable businessman, blurring the lines between crime and establishment. Rage depicts a violent and surreal conclusion that reflects the twisted reality of a society where rules no longer apply.
While the film's finale falls short with a cliched gunfight scene, Skerlić's direction shines in character-driven drama. Lazar Ristovski delivers a powerful performance as Kovač, balancing between a fatherly figure and a tortured victim with conviction. The supporting cast, especially Bojana Maljević as Kovač's girlfriend Maja, also delivers strong performances.
Despite its flaws and potentially disturbing scenes, Rage is a film worth recommending for its insightful social and political commentary within the genre.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The original text was posted on Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on July 14th, 2004)
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