Underground

Underground

Year: 1997

Runtime: 170 min

Language: French

Director: Emir Kusturica

DramaFantasyComedyWar

Haunted by a troubled past, Maxime works in a dangerous underground mine. He is expecting a child with his girlfriend and cares for his disabled friend Julien, who seeks a chance at redemption. When a sudden explosion traps several miners, Maxime must confront his personal demons while risking his own life to lead the rescue effort. The film explores themes of guilt, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst the harsh realities of a close-knit mining community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Underground (1997)

Trace every key event in Underground (1997) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Morning in Belgrade

The story begins on April 6, 1941, in Belgrade, Kingdom of Yugoslavia. Two friends, Petar Popara (Crni) and Marko Dren, return home after a night of revelry, riding a horse-drawn carriage accompanied by a cheerful brass band.

April 6, 1941 Belgrade
2

Visit to Kalemegdan

The boisterous friends visit the Kalemegdan fortress, where they meet Marko's brother, Ivan, who is caring for zoo animals. Despite Ivan's warm greeting, the atmosphere shifts when Blacky’s pregnant wife, Vera, confronts him about his irresponsible behavior.

Kalemegdan fortress
3

War Intrudes on Daily Life

As World War II engulfs Yugoslavia, the friends experience the impact of war firsthand. On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, the sound of Nazi aircraft fills the air, leading to a bomb drop in Belgrade, which shocks the city and disrupts their daily lives.

1941 Belgrade
4

Chaos and Comradery

While Belgrade deteriorates in chaos, Blacky decides to maintain a sense of normalcy by finishing his breakfast. He later encounters Ivan, who is devastated but determined to rescue a baby chimp named Soni, revealing the depth of their friendship amidst despair.

Belgrade
5

Engagement in Resistance

In the rising chaos of war, Blacky decides to fight back by aligning himself with Marko and other communists. Together, they engage in clandestine activities, including stealing German weapons, as Blacky also wrestles with his dangerous affair with Natalija.

6

Betrayal and Celebration

By 1944, Blacky organizes a birthday celebration for his son amid mourning the loss of Vera. Tensions ignite as Marko becomes involved in corrupt dealings, leading to an explosive confrontation at a theater highlighting the theme of loyalty and betrayal.

1944
7

Deceit During the Cold War

The storyline shifts to the Cold War era in 1961, revealing Marko's elaborate deception. He keeps Blacky, believed to be dead, hidden in a cellar while staging fake air raids to manipulate both him and the political narrative.

1961
8

Blacky's Isolation

As Marko enjoys newfound power, Blacky remains oblivious to the war's resolution. He spends his days preparing for an imaginary threat while grappling with his past, caught between Marko's lies and fading memories of a lost world.

9

Yugoslav Wars Emerge

The final act unfolds against the backdrop of the Yugoslav Wars in 1992. Ivan confronts Marko, leading to a dramatic clash rooted in past betrayals and unresolved conflicts, symbolizing the wreckage of their once valued friendship.

1992
10

A Wedding Amid Ruins

In a surreal conclusion, all characters, both living and dead, gather at a symbolic wedding. Ivan delivers a poignant monologue that encapsulates themes of nostalgia, loss, and the enduring power of friendship amid the ruins of a tumultuous history.

Last Updated: April 16, 2025 at 14:33

Unlock the Full Story of Underground

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Underground Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Underground, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Underground Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Underground

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Underground

More About Underground

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More About Underground

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