Without a doubt, one of the best Croatian telenovelas, if not the best.
The show is a melodrama in the best sense of the word, with its intense plot and high emotional stakes. Nearly every episode ends on a heart-pounding cliffhanger, leaving the viewer desperate to find out what happens next. Despite the plot being so packed, the pacing isn't rushed at all. In fact, the story takes its time unraveling through dialogue and is actually a bit drawn out, which works in the show's favour by gradually building suspense and making the viewer a lot more invested in what is going on with the characters.
The characters feel believable, human and complex. But what really shines through are the stellar performances delivered by the great actors who embody those characters. From old greats to young talents, the show features a wide array of Croatian acting talent who deliver some of the best emotional acting in the country's TV history.
In particular, the characters whose performances I feel are the strongest are Nela (Ecija Ojdanic), Nikol (Jagoda Kumric), Cvitka (Edita Karadjole), Andjela (Marija Kohn), Karmen (Ornela Vistica), Dalia (Sanja Popovic) and Lara (Doris Pincic).
While the heroes of the show are great and Lara makes for an excellent and sympathetic protagonist, I feel that the most interesting and fascinating characters in this show are the villains, especially Dalia (Sanja Popovic) in the second season.
The dialogue between the great actors, while camp and sometimes over-the-top, flows organically and immerses the viewer in the lives of the characters. If anything, its dramatic and witty tone helps the show. The occasional instances of humor in the dialogue help relieve the tension of the plot and give the viewer a breather, so they don't feel too emotionally exhausted from everything serious that is going on in the show.
The natural Mediterranean setting also adds to the beauty and uniqueness of the show. The scenery is picturesque and you can almost feel the smell of the salty sea air in certain scenes. Sublime.
The cherry on top of this telenovela is its beautiful original soundtrack, containing some of the best music composed for a telenovela I've ever heard. The organic melodies and intimate chords tug at your heartstrings and fully immerse you into the show, as if you are a fly on the wall watching everything unfold right before your very eyes.
Larin izbor is, and always will be, my favorite telenovela.
A true, timeless classic.
