Season 1:
I can't find anything positive to say about Ratko Dmitrovic. So, I was very skeptical about the series based on his book. However, this story is intriguing. Despite the excessively slow pace at which it unfolds. The story is unnecessarily stretched across 12 episodes. Everything could have been condensed into 8 episodes, resulting in a more dynamic and higher-quality narrative.
There are many other issues as well. Dialogues are sometimes entirely unrealistic and clichéd. CGI is unbearable to watch. UNBEARABLE. Additionally, I get the impression that the creators don't believe the audience to be overly intelligent (which might be true, given that this is a series for a broad audience). Certain things are explained as if for a simpleton. The camera work is sometimes so poor that I believe this wouldn't even pass as a student film project. The music is not used appropriately - at times, it's unnecessary and intrusive, while in some scenes, it's sorely lacking. The opening credits design is cringe-worthy, releasing something like that in the 21st century is simply unbelievable.
Episode 3 is almost like a parody (CGI at its lowest point). It requires superhuman patience to watch it until the end.
The cast is rather uneven. On one hand, there are accomplished actors delivering top-notch performances, while on the other, recognizable names grapple with acting challenges or unknown actors demonstrate why they are unknown. As a result, scenes featuring both exceptional and mediocre performances start to resemble a parody.
Aleksandar Radojicic is a breath of fresh air, proving to be quite good in his role. Miroslav Krivokapic once again confirms his talent, although, unfortunately, he remains an underrated actor. Momcilo Otasevic pleasantly surprised me, as I initially considered him a soap opera actor (He's not Marlon Brando, but he acts quite decently, considering the standards of young contemporary ex Yu actors). Danica Radulovic is very charming and radiates warmth and unobtrusiveness. Vahid Dznakovic has a remarkable talent, his performance brings a refreshing authenticity. Aleksandar Sreckovic Kubura, though not my favorite, has showcased his acting proficiency once again. Aleksandra Balmazovic is truly delightful in her comedic portrayal, a small yet entertaining gem. Katarina Madirazza lights up the screen with grace and beauty. Tijana Curovic, although significantly less known and recognized than Anica Dobra, delivers a much more captivating performance in the role of Professor Miskovic's wife.
On the other side, Milena Radulovic appears the same in every film or series - expressionless, stiff, and artificial. Who led Isidora Jankovic to believe she could act? Her performance appears unnatural and forced, leaving the audience uneasy - probably the biggest embarrassment on the Serbian acting scene. Irfan Mensur's performance is on the borders of comical. I won't even comment on Sanja Radisic's full-blown melodrama acting. Svetozar Cvetkovic - while he excels in some scenes, there were moments that left me disappointed.
