Documentary honors Dražen Petrović's roots; TV series finale and World Cup coverage reviewed

The anniversary of basketball legend Dražen Petrović's death on June 7th is marked by the documentary "Naš mali" (Our Little One), directed by Ivana Guberina. The film tenderly explores Petrović's profound connection to his hometown of Šibenik and the fervent fans who made the Baldekin arena the "craziest place on planet" in the 1980s.

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The day when a tear always appears in the corner of our eye or we get goosebumps is June 7, the date of the greatest tragedy in Croatian sports history - the day our greatest basketball player Dražen Petrović left us, far too soon and at the peak of his strength.

Director Guberina effectively and warmly illustrates Petrović's significance to his fellow citizens, capturing the unique synergy between the exceptional player and his equally special city. The documentary gives due recognition to the fans and residents of Šibenik, ensuring they are not merely overlooked as in some previous works. While Cibona, his NBA career, and national team successes occupy a smaller portion of the film, the focus on Šibenik and KK Šibenka, including the controversial championship game for Yugoslavia, does not detract from the narrative; rather, it enriches it.

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In this documentary, we can see in a touching way that incredible connection between Dražen, his native Šibenik, and the fans who made Baldekin in the 80s the craziest place on planet.

In television criticism, the review also notes the conclusion of the first season of the popular series "Divlje pčele" (Wild Bees). The finale delivered expected drama, including tears and plot twists, but left key questions unresolved, setting the stage for a more dramatic continuation. The series' success is attributed to its layered storytelling, where love was never without consequences, families harbored secrets, and the past consistently resurfaced. The characters were portrayed as real and imperfect, contributing to the show's appeal. The review contrasts "Divlje pčele's" cliffhangers with those in "Game of Thrones," suggesting they were not gratuitous.

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Director Guberina has truly effectively and warmly shown what Dražen meant to his fellow citizens, how a special player and the same kind of city united in a unique way.

Additionally, the article mentions the commencement of the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada. The broadcast of the tournament's initial matches is noted, alongside the studio show "Americana" on HTV 1, which is described as uninspired and lacking novelty, seemingly designed to make viewers forget that the Croatian Football League (HNL) and Champions League seasons have concluded.

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The finale of the series "Divlje pčele" brought everything the audience expected - tears, shocks, and twists - but left key questions open, preparing the ground for an even more dramatic continuation.