Watch The Marriage

The Marriage is a 2017 drama film directed by Blerta Zeqiri and stars Alban Ukaj, Adriana Matoshi, and Genc Salihu. The film revolves around the lives of three friends, Bekim, Anita, and Nol, all of whom grew up in Kosovo during the 1998-1999 war. The film is set in Pristina, the capital city of Kosovo, and follows the characters as they navigate their personal lives amidst the complex political and social landscape of post-conflict Kosovo.

Bekim, played by Alban Ukaj, is a successful architect who is engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Anita, played by Adriana Matoshi. The couple seems to be in love, but their relationship is not without its challenges. Bekim is struggling to come to terms with his sexual identity, and Anita is trying to adjust to her new life in Kosovo after spending several years studying abroad. Despite their differences, the couple is committed to making their relationship work and planning their wedding.

Meanwhile, Nol, played by Genc Salihu, is still trying to find his place in the world. Nol is a musician who has been living in Italy for several years, but returns to Kosovo to attend the wedding. Nol is gay, and his sexuality is a source of tension between him and his conservative family. As the three friends reconnect, they are forced to confront their past traumas, as well as the realities of their present lives.

The Marriage is a beautifully shot film that captures the essence of life in post-conflict Kosovo. The film tackles a wide range of complex social and political issues, such as homophobia, gender roles, and the impact of war and trauma on individuals and society. The performances of the main cast are outstanding, particularly that of Alban Ukaj, who manages to bring depth and complexity to his portrayal of a man struggling with his sexual identity.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its portrayal of the relationship between Bekim and Anita. The film delicately examines the conflicts that arise when two people who love each other deeply have different expectations and desires. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and the audience is invested in their relationship from the outset. The film also does an excellent job of exploring the complexities of navigating a queer identity in a conservative society.

Another noteworthy aspect of the film is its use of music. The soundtrack features a mix of traditional Albanian music and contemporary pop songs, which creates a unique and immersive atmosphere. The music not only helps to set the tone for the film, but also serves to underscore the emotional journeys of the characters.

Overall, The Marriage is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is not to be missed. Blerta Zeqiri has created a stunning work of cinema that explores complex societal issues with sensitivity and nuance. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the unique ability of film to create empathy and understanding. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love, identity, and post-conflict societies.

The Marriage is a 2018 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 68.