Here and There (2009)

67% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
64% of users liked it
(177 ratings)

Robert (character actor David Thornton) is a grumpy burned-out musician, trying to survive in Manhattan. When his fed-up friend Rose (Thornton's real-life wife Cyndi Lauper in a small role) throws him out of her apartment, the destitute Robert reluctantly makes a deal with the young Serbian, Branko… More Robert (character actor David Thornton) is a grumpy burned-out musician, trying to survive in Manhattan. When his fed-up friend Rose (Thornton's real-life wife Cyndi Lauper in a small role) throws him out of her apartment, the destitute Robert reluctantly makes a deal with the young Serbian, Branko (Branislav Trifunovic), who's moving his stuff out. For a hefty fee, Robert agrees to fly to Belgrade and marry Branko's girlfriend, Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), so that she can move to New York. Branko gives him a down payment, and Robert goes to Belgrade and moves in with Branko's mother, Olga (Mirjana Karanovic of Emir Kusturica's When Father was Away on Business and Underground). Robert is predictably miserable there, unimpressed with the city's culture and unresponsive to Olga's kindness. Back in New York, Branko faces his own struggles. While he's desperately trying to raise the money to pay Robert, his van is stolen. He begs Robert to stay in Belgrade for another week until he can send the money. Devoid of options, Robert agrees, and, despite himself, slowly begins to enjoy his stay. Here and There marks the narrative feature debut of writer-director Darko Lungulov. The film had its International Premiere at the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival, where it won the award for Best New York Narrative. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Darko Lungulov
Written By: Darko Lungulov
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Comedy

In Theaters: May 14, 2010 Wide
On DVD: Jul 13, 2010
Studio: Independant Pictures

Critic Reviews

Natasha Senjanovic, Hollywood Reporter
Deserves all the attention it can get.
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Lungulov's touch is delicate, even piercingly so, and his direction of actors, especially Thornton and Karanovic, is beautifully nuanced.
Daniel M. Gold, New York Times
In the end, the film has more than a few moments that linger: like slivovitz, it sneaks up on you.
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
The Here and There script is borderline clichéd, and it makes getting a US visa seem way too easy.
Eric Hynes, Village Voice
There's pleasure in watching the conceit unfold, which is sweetened by an unexpectedly poignant payoff.
Robert W. Butler, Kansas City Star
A quietly amusing minimalist tale of a grouch who finds he's still capable of pleasure.
Rob Thomas, Wisconsin State Journal
In a way, the fact that the grey, austere Serbian city is such an odd choice for the middle-age romance "Here and There" is one of the film's charms.
Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film
Although teetering on the brink of soppiness in places, and treading a well-worn path, the soft-in-the-middle script is lifted immeasurably by towering performances.
Adam Lippe, Examiner.com
Sometimes aimlessness is a legitimate subject (like in The Station Agent) and sometimes it's an excuse for a director to lazily slap together a movie that he hasn't thought much about.
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
Enjoyable and accomplished.
Christian Blauvelt, Slant Magazine
Here and There feels exactly like an amateur effort from a first-time director.
David Fear, Time Out New York
The big question isn't whether middle-aged romance will bloom, but rather, how much sub-Jarmusch deadpan humor and pathos can you take?

Read all 12 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

Cynthia S

This awkward, unusual indie drama caught me by surprise. Right from the start I was drawn in, and I'm not even sure why. It's very slow moving, and rather strange, but for some reason I was hooked. I have to say that I kind of liked it.....p.s. Cyndi Lauper has a minor role,… More
This awkward, unusual indie drama caught me by surprise. Right from the start I was drawn in, and I'm not even sure why. It's very slow moving, and rather strange, but for some reason I was hooked. I have to say that I kind of liked it.....p.s. Cyndi Lauper has a minor role, and it appears the main character is her husband in real life.
Deb S

David Thornton plays a depressed, middle-aged 52 year old NYC jazz musician Robert who suffers from what might be called a musical version of writer's block, facing eviction from his fed up girlfriend. He strikes an unexpected deal with Serbian emigrant Branko who will pay him… More
David Thornton plays a depressed, middle-aged 52 year old NYC jazz musician Robert who suffers from what might be called a musical version of writer's block, facing eviction from his fed up girlfriend. He strikes an unexpected deal with Serbian emigrant Branko who will pay him $5,000 if Robert goes to Belgrade and marries Branko's girlfriend Ivana (Jelena Mrdja), so that she can get a visa and move to New York City but then Branko's van is stolen. Robert finds himself marooned - unpaid, luggage less, and wearing another man's mismatched sweat suit - in Belgrade. Things begin to look up when he meets Olga, Branko's mother, a lovely and gracious divorcée, with whom Robert stays who just so happens to be fluent in English. Olga's charm ignites a spark of life in the dour Robert. Will Branko be able to replace his van and pay Robert? Who will Robert choose to bring to the Big Apple, Ivana or Olga? A bit of trivia for you: The score's title track was written for the film by Cyndi Lauper, who has a cameo and is Thornton's real-life wife. <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=o6cfna" target="_blank"><img src="http://i53.tinypic.com/o6cfna.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a> <a href="http://tinypic.com?ref=10h92qu" target="_blank"><img src="http://i55.tinypic.com/10h92qu.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>