
The Rats Woke Up 1967
Set against the stark backdrop of post-war Belgrade, *The Rats Woke Up (1967)* follows a disillusioned man trapped in the monotony of his own existence.
Director: Živojin Pavlović
Cast





Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Rats Woke Up (1967) about?
*The Rats Woke Up* paints a portrait of a man adrift in the doldrums of life, chasing a job and a future that constantly slips through his fingers. His desperate attempt to reinvent himself takes a turn when he fixates on a woman next door, believing she holds the key to his salvation. It's a story of misplaced faith, where love becomes both a balm and a mirage.
Who directed The Rats Woke Up?
The film was directed by Živojin Pavlović, a visionary of Yugoslav cinema known for his socially conscious storytelling and uncompromising style.
Who stars in The Rats Woke Up?
The film features Slobodan 'Cica' Perović as the lead, alongside Dušica Žegarac, Severin Bijelić, Mirjana Blašković, and Milivoje 'Mića' Tomić in pivotal roles.
Is The Rats Woke Up (1967) worth watching?
As a stark, unpolished slice of Yugoslav New Wave, *The Rats Woke Up* offers a gripping dive into existential weariness and the futility of grasping for change. While it may lack the polish of mainstream dramas, its unfiltered honesty and atmospheric tension make it a compelling watch for fans of gritty, character-driven cinema.
How long is The Rats Woke Up?
The film runs for 79 minutes.
About The Rats Woke Up (1967) — A raw Yugoslav drama of loneliness and fleeting hope
Set against the stark backdrop of post-war Belgrade, *The Rats Woke Up (1967)* follows a disillusioned man trapped in the monotony of his own existence. Directed by the groundbreaking Živojin Pavlović, this raw drama dives into the crushing weight of societal expectations and the fleeting hope of escape through fleeting connections. As the protagonist scrambles for work and a semblance of purpose, he stumbles into a tentative romance with his neighbor, clinging to the delusion that her presence will rewrite his fate. Shot in moody black-and-white, the film captures the suffocating atmosphere of a life on the margins, where every small decision feels like a gamble against an indifferent world.
Pavlović's unflinching lens strips away any pretense of cinematic escapism, instead immersing the viewer in the grimy textures of everyday struggle. With standout performances from Slobodan 'Cica' Perović and Dušica Žegarac, the film lingers on the quiet desperation of ordinary people caught between dreams and reality. A Yugoslav New Wave gem, *The Rats Woke Up* is less about spectacle and more about the raw, unvarnished truths of human longing.