Our take
Before The Rain is a very intriguing and unique film, to say the least. Its cyclical narrative structure may not be for everyone, it will puzzle most, leaving some in wonder while others fume at the illogicality of it all.
While the film’s general production values have not aged very well, its intercut story of war and romance is a timeless one, makes this film one that is essential viewing for all international cinema lovers, and serves as a great introduction to Macedonian cinema as a whole.
What it won
Oscars
1 nom
Venice
8 wins · 1 nom
Spirit Awards
1 win
Sundance
1 nom
The story
The circularity of violence seen in a story that circles on itself. In Macedonia, during the war in Bosnia, Christians hunt an ethnic Albanian girl who may have murdered one of their own. A young monk who's taken a vow of silence offers her protection. In London, a photographic editor who's pregnant needs to talk it out with her estranged husband and chooses a toney restaurant.
Elsewhere
"Before the Rain is a visually and narratively stunning tale in three parts, set between modern London and the timeless hills of Macedonia, in former Yugoslavia"
— Deborah Young
Who picked it
Diego Andaluz is a freelance film critic, journalist, and podcaster based in New York, serving as Awards Editor at DiscussingFilm and Editor-in-Chief of The Global Film Show. His commentary has been featured in AwardsWatch, The Film Stage, Deadline, IndieWire, People, and Mashable.
