Before the Rain

directed by Milcho Manchevski

Staring Gergoire Colin, Labina Mitevska, Katrin Cartildge, and Rade Serbedzijia

playing at Sony Nickelodeon

"Before the Rain," directed by Milcho Manchevski, is the story of the interconnected lives of four strangers. Beginning with the civil unrest in Macedonia, travelling to London and then returning to Macedonia, the film demonstrates that seemingly local violence registers across the world.

Most of the time films have to start somewhere. Instead "Before the Rain" chooses to start everywhere. And like any film which relies on a gimmick, "Before the Rain" almost crumbles under the weight of the very thing that makes it special.

The film's three parts, "Words," "Faces" and "Pictures" each focus on a different character. "Words" features a young monk, Kiril (Gregoire Colin also of "Olivier, Olivier"), who lives in a 12th century monestary in the mountains of Macedonia. When he discovers a mysterious Albanian girl, Zamira (Labina Mitevska), hiding in his room he is forced to choose between his desire to protect her and his oath to God. The villages in the surrounding hills, filled with hostile Macedonians and Albanians, set the scene for graphic violence.

"Faces" takes us to London where Anne (Katrin Cartlidge) a photo editor, is examining pictures of Kiril. At first it is jarring to shift from the vast cliffs of Macedonia to the grey streets of London, but eventually the connection becomes clear. Anne is torn between two men: her estranged husband and Aleksander, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist played with unctuous passion by Rade Serbedzija.

"Pictures" focuses on Aleksander, who decides to abandon his career and move back to Macedonia. Once there, the film elaborates on the violence initially depicted in "Words." At the end of "Pictures," the young monk is reintroduced at the same instant as when he first appeared in the film. The narrative has come full circle. The events of the entire film have led up to its beginning. Just as in the opening, it begins to rain.

If this sounds too catchy, it may be. In order to maintain the film's circular structure Manchevski takes liberties with common sense. (At one point photographs are taken by a man who we later discover is already dead.) This dedication to structure undermines other aspects of the film as well. We are never allowed to become attached to one character, lest his story line stray too far from the rain. Just as we get to enjoy the company of this fascinating young monk we are pushed back to the beginning of the film. The viewer will not be immune to the irony of having to spend almost three hours with Forrest Gump and only thirty five minutes with Kiril.

There is no doubt that this is compelling film making. Many thoughtfully composed and nicely lit shots suggest a strong collaboration between director and cinematographer, Manuel Teran. The contrast between the beauty and violence of Macedonia is made palpable by Teran's shots of mountainous terrain and brutal shootings. The quick and sometimes disorienting pace of the film captures the overriding sense of confusion and frustration in Macedonia.

"Before the Rain" grants us a look into a society about which we know little. The images of these intriguing characters, sometimes seductive and other times repulsive, force the audience to recognize the tragedy of Macedonia. My only regret is that the film choose to concentrate on the events surrounding this rain. Forced to utilize underdevloped characters, this film leaves us feeling a bit unsatisfied when in all other respects it is truly exhilirating.