A Journey Through Identity and Exile

Read Time:4 Minute, 36 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Wondrous is the Silence of My Master (Otapanje vladara)
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Genre: Drama, History, War
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 33m
Director(s): Ivan Salatic
Writer(s): Ivan Salatic
Cast: Marko Pogačar, Luka Petrone, Tea Ljubešić, Jakov Zovko, Vanja Matić, Vladimir Milošević, Igor Božanić
Where To Watch: shown at the 2025 International Film Festival Rotterdam

RAVING REVIEW: WONDROUS IS THE SILENCE OF MY MASTER strikes an immediate chord with its balance of elegance and depth, creating a journey that feels as introspective as it does expansive. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Montenegro, this film is more than a historical retelling—it’s a contemplative look at identity, displacement, and the struggles of maintaining a connection to home in a world that demands change. From the very start, it’s clear that this is a project driven by deliberate craftsmanship, with every element designed to immerse the viewer in its reflective narrative.

At its heart is Morlak, a spiritual leader wrestling with the external pressures on his homeland and the toll of his declining health. His journey to southern Italy is as much about seeking relief as confronting the personal cost of leaving the place that defines him. Alongside him is Djuko, his fiercely loyal servant, whose quiet heartbreak becomes one of the film’s most moving threads. Together, their journey highlights the tension between holding onto the past and moving forward, and the emotional weight of their intertwined struggles is palpable.

Visually, this film is nothing short of stunning. Director Ivan Salatić approaches each frame with an artist's eye, using contrasts of light and shadow to evoke the isolation of Montenegro’s mountains and the chaotic vibrancy of Naples. The cinematography doesn’t just frame the story; it elevates it, adding layers of meaning to each scene. Salatić’s decision to let the camera linger on landscapes, faces, and quiet moments allows the audience to absorb the gravity of the character’s emotions and the environments shaping their journeys.

The narrative unfolds with deliberate pacing, encouraging the audience to experience the story’s meditative tone rather than simply follow a plot. It’s a natural fit for a story rooted in introspection. One of the most compelling aspects of the film is its ability to balance personal stories with socio-political themes. Morlak’s battle with illness mirrors the struggles of Montenegro itself—a nation grappling with threats and the preservation of its identity. Djuko’s homesickness, meanwhile, is a poignant reminder of the ties that bind people to their homelands, even when distance threatens to sever those bonds. These threads create a rich tapestry of layers, allowing the film to resonate on both an intimate and a universal level.

Performances throughout are as understated as they are impactful. Morlak’s resolve contrasts beautifully with Djuko’s vulnerability, creating a dynamic that speaks to the complexities of loyalty and grief. The actors rely on subtle gestures and expressions to convey their characters’ emotional journeys, proving that restraint can often be more potent than overt dramatics. Djuko, in particular, becomes a vessel for the film’s themes of longing and resilience, grounding the story in a deeply human perspective.

Dialogue is sparse but poetic, emphasizing the film’s introspective quality. Instead of relying on heavy exposition, the script uses its silences to significant effect, drawing the audience into the characters’ worlds. This harmony between sound and visual storytelling creates an immersive atmosphere long after the credits roll.

The film succeeds in crafting a profound experience. Its ability to weave themes of resilience, exile, and cultural identity into a cohesive narrative is a testament to Salatić’s skill as a filmmaker. He creates an intimate and far-reaching story by situating the characters’ journeys within a broader historical context.

WONDROUS IS THE SILENCE OF MY MASTER is ultimately a reflection on the enduring ties between individuals and the places they call home. It’s a story about the fragility of identity and the strength it takes to hold onto it in the face of change. Salatić’s meticulous approach to storytelling ensures that every moment contributes meaningfully to the whole, resulting in a film that resonates long after its final scene.

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[photo courtesy of MEANDER FILM, NIGHTSWIM, BOCALUPO FILMS, DINARIDI FILM, NON-ALIGNED FILMS, RTCG – RADIO TELEVIZIJA CRNE GORE]

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