The Golden Years (1993 film)

The Golden Years (Zlatne godine) is a Croatian drama film written and directed by Davor Žmegač. It was released in 1993.^[1]

The Golden Years
Directed by	Davor Žmegač
Written by	Davor Žmegač
Produced by	Denys Fleutot Damir Teresak
Starring	Igor Galo Goran Grgić Aleksandra Turjak Mirta Zečević Ilija Ivezić
Cinematography	Slobodan Trninić
Edited by	Bernarda Fruk
Music by	Zlatan Stipišić Gibonni Zrinko Tutić
Release date	15 October 1994 (1994-10-15) (International Filmfestival Mannheim-Heidelberg)
Running time	118 minutes
Countries	Croatia, France
Languages	Croatian, Serbian

Plot summary

The story begins in the 1970s, a time of political repression and limited personal freedoms in the former Yugoslavia. The film focuses on two brothers, Jakov and Mislav Petras, whose lives are shaped by the constraints of the era. Jakov, the elder brother, struggles with the tension between his personal ideals and the realities of living under a restrictive regime. Mislav, the younger brother, seeks to carve out his own identity while navigating the expectations placed upon him by family and society. Their relationships with key figures in their lives, including Sunčana Križić and Tala, further complicate their paths, as love, ambition, and loyalty intersect with the challenges of the time.

The narrative transitions to the early 1990s, a period of significant upheaval as Croatia moves toward independence amidst the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the ensuing war. Now older, Jakov and Mislav face the consequences of their past decisions and the impact of the shifting political landscape on their lives and relationships. The brothers must confront questions of loyalty, resilience, and the enduring influence of their family bonds as they adapt to a society undergoing profound transformation.

Cast

• Igor Galo as Jakov Petras
• Goran Grgić as Mislav Petras
• Aleksandra Turjak as Sunčana Križić
• Mirta Zečević as Tala
• Ilija Ivezić as Brkan
• Dejan Aćimović as Stipe Bubalo
• Inge Appelt as Sunčana's Aunt
• Mirko Boman as Cop No. 2
• Slavko Brankov as Prisoner
• Vanja Drach as Relja
• Ksenija Pajić as Marija Petras
• Marija Kohn as Sunčana's Mother