Grbavica: the Land of My Dreams
by Jasmila Zbanic
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Grbavica: the Land of My DreamsDirector: Jasmila Zbanic
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Croatian (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.66:1
Running Time: 90 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-06-12
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Strand Releasing
Movie Reviews of Grbavica: the Land of My Dreams
Movie Review: Living With The Past
Summary: 5 Stars
Bosnian war, though recent, has been almost forgotten due to rapidly unfolding conflicts in the Middle East. This fact does not diminish the severity of the Bosnian conflict, nor does it diminish the scars this conflict left on the population of this small Balkan country.
Grbavica is a quarter of the Bosnian capital, close to pretty much everything. During the war in Bosnia, Grbavica was occupied by the Serb irregulars, from which they shelled the surrounding quarters of Hrasno, Trg Pere Kosorica, Pofalici and others. Immediately after the peace agreement, the irregulars withdrew, leaving behind destruction in the lives of those they occupied.
Mirjana Karanovic presents a brilliant performance as a single mother trying to survive in Sarajevo's almost bankrupt economy by working impossible hours in a shoe factory during the day, and in a bar during the night. Widowed because of the war, she receives support from the government, which is enough to pay for a few groceries. Karanovic is content to continue caring for her daughter, and asks for nothing but peace and quiet.
As Karanovic's character's daughter comes into her teenage years, questions about her father, a shaheed (literally translated shaheed means "witness", but is a title given to a fallen fighter), questions which Karanovic is not prepared (and not able) to answer. As the story unfolds, it not only becomes a story of survival in a meagre economy, but that of emotional survival of the past, and the survival of the future that past may bring. It is now that we are shown the true struggle - the one within, the one dealing with shame and guilt and regret.
An excellent movie, as far as small budget movies go, "Grbavica..." is a well told story that could describe anyone in Bosnia. Very hard to relate to, Sarajevan life is defined by the war, and everything is measured by the war. In order to better understand the sentiments of the film, one would need to have at least the basic understanding of the conflict in the Balkans. Highly recommended to all not seeking a Hollywoodized account, as the "Land of My Dreams" part of the title refers to the inherent hope that is the only driving force in such horrifying circumstances.
Summary of Grbavica: the Land of My Dreams
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