Pred dozhdot (1994)

«Before the Rain» is not just a title, but a harbinger of inevitability, a metaphor for an impending storm that gathers over the souls of people and entire regions. Milcho Manchevski's 1994 drama is a deep dive into a world torn by conflicts, where personal connections give way to ancient grievances and cycles of violence. Despite its specific geography, the film raises universal questions about the nature of hatred, forgiveness, and the price of returning home when home has changed beyond recognition.

Plot (no spoilers)

At the center of the narrative, albeit non-linear, stands the figure of a photographer, a person whose profession obliges him to be an observer, a witness to the world's tragedies. After long years of wandering through the planet's «hotspots,» where he documented other people's wars, the hero returns to his native village. However, instead of peace and familiar faces, he discovers a new reality: hatred and blood feuds have engulfed his kinsmen. Those with whom he grew up, went to school, and shared childhood games now look at each other as enemies. This inability to accept the new, embittered reality becomes the source of his deepest shock and the driving force of the drama.

Why You Should Watch It

• Emotional depth and relevance. The film raises themes that, unfortunately, remain relevant: the cyclical nature of violence, the destructive effects of inter-ethnic and inter-communal conflicts, and the impossibility of returning to the past.
• Masterful direction. Milcho Manchevski creates a dense, tense atmosphere in which every event seems inevitable. His ability to build narrative, develop characters, and maintain emotional tension is evident in every frame.
• Depiction of human tragedy. Through the personal drama of the photographer and his surroundings, the film presents a broad panorama of human suffering, where memories of the past and contemporary grievances intertwine into a deadly knot. The actors, including Daniel Newman, Silvia Stoyanovska, Josif Josifovski, Kiril Ristoski, and Petar Mircevski, convincingly embody this tragedy.
• Visual metaphor. The title «Before the Rain» is no coincidence. It symbolizes the premonition of an impending catastrophe, that point of no return, beyond which only storm and destruction follow.

Themes

Key themes of the film include the consequences of war and ethnic conflicts, the loss of innocence and ideals, the impossibility of reconciliation, and the destructive influence of blood feuds. The film explores the idea of how easily peaceful coexistence can turn into enmity, and how difficult it is to break the vicious cycle of violence. It also raises the question of the observer's role – can someone who documents other people's tragedies remain detached when conflict comes to their own home?

Verdict

«Before the Rain» (1994) is a powerful and deeply moving drama that makes one reflect on human nature and the destructive power of hatred. It is not entertaining cinema, but rather an emotional and intellectual challenge that leaves a long aftertaste and many questions. The film is recommended to everyone who appreciates not only the plot but also a deep philosophical subtext in cinema, as well as those who are ready for serious reflection on the nature of conflicts and the human condition.