User reviews

Macedonia, today squeezed between Greece, Albania, Serbia and Bulgaria, endured five hundred years of Turkish Ottoman rule. The film "To the Hilt" unfolds during the aftermath of the Macedonian uprising of 1903, delving into a complex relations story involving an idealistic rebel, a ruthless Turkish officer, a wealthy young opportunist returning from Europe, and an English flirtatious and promiscuous woman who sparks a chain of unforeseen events.

I have to say they nailed few things: Macedonians are NOT great revolutionaries and most of the rebellious events were externally created... well, in this film through turbulent encounters, the characters undergo transformative experiences, exploring numerous themes: those of identity, independence, freedom, justice, love, sacrifice, and betrayal. I guess, that is the reason for 165 minute movie presenting harsh portrayal of Macedonian history that was almost romanticized to a level where it could be unrecognizable. The director successfully highlighting the paradoxes and absurdities of the nation's past... but, again, no as well as I hoped for. Stole Popov is a great director - don't get me wrong and Goran Stefanovski a great screenwriter but here they left an empty space for so much more. Cinematography was very good, acting was not too bad, and the authentic places where everything was recorded were the highlight of the film.

Do Balcak talks fluently to Macedonians and those who have never heard of Macedonia about a controversial period of its history, caught between the Ottoman Empire and the new winds blowing from Europe. It weaves an intricate story of love,family secrets,politics, betrayal... and great music. It doesn't stray into politics nor does it attempt to explain, clarify, assert - just tell the story. The narrative is elegant, with lots of symbolic and details, the acting great, especially Mihajlovski and Kocev. The film is quite long (nearly three hours) but it does keep you glued to the seat! My personal favorite for the Foregn Film Oscar 2015!

One of the best Macedonian movies ever made and movie with highest budget of all movies who is ever made with support of Macedonian government.The movie was made to show the great sufferings of the Macedonian people before the end of the Ottoman Empire through the eyes of the girl who found himself in that place at that time.