Take a Deep Breath

Take a Deep Breath is a 2004 Serbian film, directed by and written by Hajdana Baletić. This drama was promoted as the "first Serbian LGBT feature film", even though the writer herself stresses that it is more about the generation gap in the modern family. The premiere was held on November 8, 2004 in Belgrade's Sava Center. Tagline The keynote quotes American comedian George Carlin: "... And always remember: life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away..." Plot The story begins at a family dinner where Saša, a discontent Belgrade Law School student still living at home while dating water polo coach Stefan, informs her parents about the decision she made to move to Canada, following her boyfriend who had already accepted a job offer to coach water polo there. The parents, who thought the young couple were about to announce their intention to get married, can hardly hide their shock and disappointment at the unexpected development. Saša's father Miloš (Bogdan Diklić), a conservative judge, is particularly not happy with the fact she's leaving her studies. Saša also tells them about moving in with Stefan right away, even before her visa application is processed. The young couple then leaves the dinner in a bit of a huff. While driving back to Stefan's apartment, they get into a car accident. Luckily both survive: Saša only with scratches and Stefan with minor head and leg injuries that require hospitalization. In the hospital Saša meets Stefan's sister Lana (Jelena Đokić), a charming Paris-based photographer who's come to Belgrade in order to take care of her injured brother. While Saša gets released from the hospital the same day she wakes up, Stefan is being held for a few more weeks.