Rondo (1966 film)

Rondo is a 1966 Yugoslav film directed by Zvonimir Berković. It is a psychological drama exploring themes of isolation, boredom, and subtle power dynamics set against the backdrop of a chess tournament.

The film centers on three characters: a judge (Stevo Žigon), a young woman (Milena Dravić), and her husband, a painter (Relja Bašić). The judge, unmarried and somewhat lonely, develops a complex relationship with the couple through chess. He becomes increasingly drawn to the wife, and the film explores the unspoken tensions and underlying desires that emerge within the seemingly innocuous game.

Rondo is notable for its minimalist style, long takes, and deliberate pacing, contributing to its overall atmosphere of quiet intensity. The film’s visual language, including the use of chess pieces and the stark, modernist architecture, reinforces the themes of control and strategic maneuvering in the characters' interactions. The film is considered a significant work of Yugoslav cinema and explores the intricacies of human relationships with remarkable subtlety. It often appears on lists of the best Yugoslav films ever made.