Kusturica's extraordinary dramatic black tragic comedy is an epic tale about love, friendship, betrayal, manipulation and lies. It is also the first film to deal with the Yugoslavian tragedy.

It is not a true account of the conflict but expresses the Balkan vitality, energy, humour and the will to survive, set against the comples historical backdrop of the past fifty years in Yugoslavia.

Based on Dusan Kovacevic's story 'Once Upon A Time There Was A Country', the story follows two likeable crooks - Marko, a charmer who manipulates everyone in his reach, and his pal the foolish but loveable Blacky.

The third member of the group is Natalija, an actress of easy virtue with whom they are both in love. The three of them live and take part in a world of self delusion, deceit and abuse, but one where there is always love and tenderness.