Writer / Director: Angelina Jolie
In Theaters: December 23, 2011 (USA)
Running Time: 127 minutes
Genre: Drama, Romance, War
Cast: Zana Marjanovic, Goran Kostic, Rade Serbedzija, Dzana Pinjo
Synopsis:
A story of Danijel and Ajla who are caught between their burgeoning romance for each other and their allegiance to their people during the Bosnian War. Danijel first met Ajla in a bar, dancing and sharing some laughs together. However, their special moment was short lived when the bar turned into pieces after it was bombed. It signals the start of the Bosnian War. The two did not encounter each other again not until Ajla is confined in a Serb's camp in which several violence are taking place. This time, Danijel is serving as a Serb soldier. He is fulfilling the wish of his father, the highest ranking general. Danijel and Ajla reunites after that fateful night at the bar. Their romance rekindles amidst the war that is going on around them...
A story of Danijel and Ajla who are caught between their burgeoning romance for each other and their allegiance to their people during the Bosnian War. Danijel first met Ajla in a bar, dancing and sharing some laughs together. However, their special moment was short lived when the bar turned into pieces after it was bombed. It signals the start of the Bosnian War. The two did not encounter each other again not until Ajla is confined in a Serb's camp in which several violence are taking place. This time, Danijel is serving as a Serb soldier. He is fulfilling the wish of his father, the highest ranking general. Danijel and Ajla reunites after that fateful night at the bar. Their romance rekindles amidst the war that is going on around them...
Reaction:
First of all, let me just note that I watched this film having little knowledge about the Bosnian War that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prior to watching the film, I have high expectations that I may be able to learn something relevant about the Bosnian War. As it turned out, I was really disappointed. The film itself is a fictional love story between the two main characters, Danijel and Ajla. In fairness, the cast are great. They were able to deliver their roles well. Cinematography wise, it was also fine. However, the whole story itself is like I am in a big limbo.
There are several details that could have been explored more. I never felt the war took place in the film as only small portions of it were presented. Those rape, senseless killings and tortures were evident but other than that nothing else is remarkable. The rest is somewhat a comical story of the supposedly two lovers who came from opposing sides. At first, there was passion in them, but later on the story crumpled into pieces. Instead of feeling sympathy for those victims, I was not even moved. The film is not even close to those remarkable war films such as Schindler's List, The Piano, Pearl Harbor and more. Those films got a heart and you can empathize with their characters. You can see how their characters were developed.
The film could have a great potential if only the writer was able to explore more about the other victims and showcase both opposing sides of the war. It only centers on both two characters with a lame love story. I do not understand what the director is driving at.
In conclusion, this film does not exceed my expectation. Certainly not a remarkable war film.
First of all, let me just note that I watched this film having little knowledge about the Bosnian War that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Prior to watching the film, I have high expectations that I may be able to learn something relevant about the Bosnian War. As it turned out, I was really disappointed. The film itself is a fictional love story between the two main characters, Danijel and Ajla. In fairness, the cast are great. They were able to deliver their roles well. Cinematography wise, it was also fine. However, the whole story itself is like I am in a big limbo.
There are several details that could have been explored more. I never felt the war took place in the film as only small portions of it were presented. Those rape, senseless killings and tortures were evident but other than that nothing else is remarkable. The rest is somewhat a comical story of the supposedly two lovers who came from opposing sides. At first, there was passion in them, but later on the story crumpled into pieces. Instead of feeling sympathy for those victims, I was not even moved. The film is not even close to those remarkable war films such as Schindler's List, The Piano, Pearl Harbor and more. Those films got a heart and you can empathize with their characters. You can see how their characters were developed.
The film could have a great potential if only the writer was able to explore more about the other victims and showcase both opposing sides of the war. It only centers on both two characters with a lame love story. I do not understand what the director is driving at.
In conclusion, this film does not exceed my expectation. Certainly not a remarkable war film.
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