Okay, rewind your minds with me for a second. Picture this: it’s the early 90s. The world feels… well, complicated, especially in certain corners of Europe. And yet, bursting out of Serbia in 1992, amidst turmoil and sanctions that would have crippled lesser productions, comes Mi nismo anđeli, or We Are Not Angels – a film brimming with such manic energy, vibrant colour (even through inevitable VHS fuzz!), and genuinely funny supernatural slapstick that it feels like a minor miracle. Finding this gem on a shelf, perhaps with a slightly mysterious cover, felt like discovering a secret frequency of pure, unadulterated cinematic fun.
This wasn't your typical Hollywood fare, that's for sure. Forget slick effects; this was pure, resourceful filmmaking magic.
### Heaven & Hell, Belgrade Style
The premise alone is gold: Nikola (Nikola Kojo, radiating effortless cad charm) is Belgrade’s ultimate playboy, a literature student more interested in bedding women than Balzac. His life takes a sharp turn when a one-night stand with naive high-schooler Marina (Milena Pavlović) results in pregnancy. Standard stuff, maybe? Ah, but watching over Nikola’s shoulder, perched metaphorically (and sometimes literally) amongst the cityscapes, are a cynical, leather-clad Devil (Srđan Todorović, absolutely stealing scenes) and a bumbling, good-hearted Angel (Uroš Đurić). Their mission: influence Nikola's path – one pushing him towards responsibility, the other towards his usual escape routes.
It’s a classic setup, given a distinctly Balkan spin by writer-director Srđan Dragojević. This was Dragojević's feature debut, filmed under incredibly difficult conditions – think hyperinflation, international isolation. It's said the crew often worked for next to nothing, driven purely by passion for the project. You can feel that scrappy, make-it-work energy bleeding through the celluloid (or, you know, the magnetic tape). The resulting film wasn't just a release; it was a phenomenon, becoming one of the most-watched Serbian films ever, a blast of escapist humour when it was desperately needed.
### Visual Pop and 90s Energy
What hits you immediately is the style. Dragojević, perhaps influenced by the MTV aesthetic that was peaking globally, directs with a kinetic flair. Quick cuts, inventive camera angles, and a visual approach to the Angel/Devil scenes that feels both theatrical and cleverly low-fi. Remember those moments where the Devil would conjure some minor chaos, or the Angel would offer a moment of divine (and often ignored) wisdom? It wasn't CGI spectacle; it was smart editing, practical tricks, and committed performances making you believe in this celestial tug-of-war. It has that slightly raw, unpolished feel that defined so much great 90s independent filmmaking, before digital smoothing became the norm.
Srđan Todorović as the Devil is just iconic – sarcastic, weary, yet undeniably cool. His interactions with the perpetually optimistic, slightly clueless Angel played by Uroš Đurić provide the film's comedic backbone. They bicker and scheme like an old married couple from opposing sides of the moral divide, often physically manifesting in Nikola’s world in amusingly subtle (or not-so-subtle) ways. And Nikola Kojo nails the central role; he makes Nikola infuriatingly selfish but somehow keeps you rooting for him, a tightrope walk many actors couldn’t manage. Supporting players like Branka Katić as Nikola's sharp-tongued best friend also add layers to this vibrant urban tapestry.
### More Than Just Laughs?
Beneath the rapid-fire jokes and fantasy elements, We Are Not Angels offers a surprisingly frank look at relationships, responsibility, and navigating young adulthood in a specific time and place. It doesn't shy away from Nikola's flaws or the potential consequences of his actions. The humour is often edgy, reflecting a certain cynicism perhaps born from the era, but it’s tempered with genuine heart, especially in Marina’s storyline. The soundtrack, packed with Serbian rock and pop hits of the time, wasn't just background noise; it was integral to the film's identity and became massively popular in its own right, further cementing the movie's cult status. Did anyone else instantly feel cooler just hearing those opening riffs kick in?
The film's success was so huge locally that it eventually spawned two sequels (Mi nismo anđeli 2 in 2005 and Mi nismo anđeli 3 in 2006), though they arrived much later and captured a different zeitgeist. For many, the magic remains firmly rooted in this original 1992 explosion of creativity.
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Rating: 8.5/10
Justification: We Are Not Angels is a triumph of spirit and style over circumstance. Its energetic direction, iconic performances (especially Todorović's Devil), genuinely funny script, and unique blend of fantasy and romantic comedy make it a standout. It captured a specific cultural moment with wit and verve, becoming a regional phenomenon against all odds. While some elements are undeniably rooted in the 90s, its core charm and inventive filmmaking shine through, even on a worn-out VHS copy. The sheer audacity and success of making this film then bumps the score.
Final Take: A glorious slice of early 90s Balkan pop-cinema, proving that sometimes the most heavenly viewing experiences come courtesy of a devilishly clever comedy made with more passion than cash. Still crackles with anarchic energy today.