The Outlaw (1988)
A Slovenian drama about one man's costly stand against factory corruption — and the devastating personal price he pays for daring to speak out.
The Outlaw - Movie Information
- Original Title: Odpadnik
- Release Year: 1988
- Directed by: Božo Šprajc
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Original Language: Slovenian
- Spoken Languages: Slovenian
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 25, 1988 (SI)
- Production Companies: Viba film
- Production Countries: Yugoslavia
The Outlaw - Plot
The life of a man who dared to unfold the corruption and mismanagement in his factory takes a wrong turn as his marriage ends, his lover leaves him and he finds himself in a psychiatric hospital. After completing his stay in this mental institution, the gates of the factory are now closed for him. Will he be forced to apologize, or blood must be shed?
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The Outlaw - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Božo Šprajc
Main Cast
- Ivo Ban
- Savina Geršak
- Mateja 'Teja' Glažar
- Janez Hočevar
- Gojmir Lešnjak 'Gojc'
- Saša Pavček
- Radko Polič
- Matjaž Tribušon
- Alenka Vipotnik
- Josif Tatić
Writers
- Dušan Jovanović
- Božo Šprajc
The Outlaw - FAQs
What is The Outlaw (1988) about?
The Outlaw follows a factory worker who exposes corruption and mismanagement at his workplace, only to watch his personal life collapse around him. His marriage dissolves, his lover departs, and he is committed to a psychiatric hospital, leaving him to face an impossible choice upon his release.
Who directed The Outlaw?
The Outlaw was directed by Božo Šprajc, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside playwright Dušan Jovanović. The film was produced by Viba film and released in Yugoslavia in 1988.
Who are the main actors in The Outlaw?
The Outlaw stars Ivo Ban as Oto Kern, Savina Geršak as Ema, Mateja 'Teja' Glažar as Liza Repar, Janez Hočevar as Hugo Repar, Gojmir Lešnjak 'Gojc' as Vili, Saša Pavček as Nina, Radko Polič as Silvo Hren, Matjaž Tribušon as Luka Kern, and Alenka Vipotnik as Vida Kern.
Does Oto Kern apologize or fight back at the end?
The film builds its dramatic tension around precisely this question. After being shut out of his factory following his psychiatric stay, protagonist Oto Kern is confronted with a stark ultimatum — submit and apologize to the system he challenged, or escalate the conflict to a violent, irreversible conclusion.
Is The Outlaw a critique of socialist bureaucracy?
Yes. Released in late Yugoslav-era Slovenia in 1988, The Outlaw uses its factory setting as a lens to examine institutional corruption, the suppression of dissent, and the personal cost of speaking truth to power — themes that resonated sharply in the final years of socialist Yugoslavia.
When was The Outlaw released?
The Outlaw was released on June 25, 1988, in Slovenia (then part of Yugoslavia). The film was produced by Viba film, the principal Slovenian film production house, and runs approximately 95 minutes.
What language is The Outlaw in?
The Outlaw is filmed entirely in Slovenian. It is an original Slovenian-language production from Yugoslavia, making it a notable entry in the history of Slovenian national cinema from the late socialist period.
What are similar movies to The Outlaw?
If The Outlaw appeals to you, consider exploring The Proposition (2005), Ned Kelly (1970), or The Years of Decision (1984) for similarly intense stories of individuals at odds with institutional or social power. Trieste Is Ours! (2009) and Slovenia, Australia and Tomorrow the World (2017) also offer Slovenian cinematic context.
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