Reviews

I have recently finished reading the book, which I enjoyed a lot but made a mistake watching this film. It was a disappointing experience. I was bored and at one point almost fell asleep. The main reason for me to watch the film was to see how Emily did her role and also to see how the other characters fit the bill. The selection of actors was good. However, everything in the film felt rushed and hard to get into it. It was almost like watching a B movie. The crucial part, that was so well written in the book, was not given enough importance in the film. I do not want to write any spoilers but if you have read the book I would strongly suggest that you do not go to the cinema and watch this film.

I stopped watching this film half way through but then forced myself to watch the rest of it next morning in a vain hope something would change and make it all clear what the film is all about. I must say some scenes were exceptionally well shot and the actress shines through on occasions but that is not enough to pull it through. The confusion of the plot line is the major turn off. As one previous commentator wrote, if you didn't read the book do not bother watching this film. I did not read the book and he was spot on about it. Also, there is a lot of nudity throughout the film. Overall it is such a weird film and dark too.

The subject of this film is difficult, a friendship and a war that comes in between friends. I would have given it a 9 but the propaganda in the film brings it down big time. This is not a historical film but it appears that some key dates have been followed.

Why do I call it a propaganda film? Because, it shows good and bad on both sides but actually it subtly forces the viewer to sympathise with one side. This is the art of propaganda. Also called brainwashing which keeps happening again and again. It feels that we will see many more propaganda films in the future. Also, the Brits got the wrong end of the stick, which is almost funny.

The two main characters, Bobby and Said are very likable as they appear as very genuine blokes. Their friendship is a real pleasure to watch, shame it was used to cover up the real agenda.

I just want to say that the star rating of this film has been rigged. I have received emails from Serb acquaintances to vote 1 star for this film and that's why this film has a huge percentage of 1 star votes.

It seems the Serbs cannot stomach the fact they are portrayed as bad boys in some recent films. To live in denial of the genocide in Srebrenica and the ethnic cleansing that they did in Bosnia-Herzegovina you will of course get upset when you hear the truth.

This film isn't bad as the star rating shows. It has been based on real events and loosely on a true story of a young beautiful Bosniak woman who was kept a prisoner by a Serb soldier, who later fell in love with her...

Angelina added artistic touch and with decent production made a powerful film.