Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams (2007)

Simply A Masterpiece

Fantastic!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

Please stay away from any potential source of spoilers for this prior to your initial viewing. This is a compelling piece, and I hope everyone who is mature enough for it will watch it. It is about a mother and daughter in Bosnia, trying to make ends meet after the end of the Balkan war. You do not need to have much, if any, prior knowledge of the country or culture to appreciate this. Zbanic directs it with great skill, nothing is excessive, it all fits perfectly, and a lot is gone into in 90 consistently well-paced minutes. Anyone reluctant to try foreign films ought to give this one a chance. This can help prove that not only the West can produce accessible movies. I understand that some feel that this takes sides in the conflict, but I cannot claim to concur with that. And in fact, this is such a universal story of pain and struggle that it can be applied to countless other locations around the world. If any finger-pointing can be claimed to occur in this, it is towards battle. The character are all well-written, credible and well-developed. Every acting performance is completely spot-on. Karanovic as the overworked Esma and Mijovic as the rebellious, tomboy-ish Sara are spellbinding. Music is well-chosen. The editing and cinematography are excellent. This gripping tragedy engages the audience, and emotionally affects us without being manipulative. I am not aware of dubs, and in any case I suggest just accepting the subtitles. Not understanding a word of what was spoken, I can't say for sure about the amount; however, I believe there is at least a little strong language. There is brief nudity and arguably sexuality, as well as disturbing content, in this. I recommend this warmly to any fans of drama who are old enough. 8/10

Almost every scene depicting the life of Esma and her 12- year old daughter, Sara carefully shows human emotions. Grbavica is an intensely gripping drama about discovering the truth. The story is set in former Yugoslavia; Zbanic doesn't simplify post-Balkan war Sarajevo. The landscape is marked by war; Sara and her boyfriend spend their time in demolished and abandoned buildings. War trauma intertwines with everyday life. Esma and a bodyguard she befriends, discover they have met at exhumations, and both share the experience of loosing their loved ones. Esma works the night shift as a waitress in a night club run by a gangster, she is intent on giving her daughter what she can. It's clear that she is struggling to earn money for her daughters' school trip, but I wasn't so sure about the idea that a woman with such a past would work in the specific environment of gangsters and prostitutes. Since Esma doesn't confront her problems the chasm between mother and daughter widens. The government ensures psychotherapy and welfare for women imprisoned Chetniks. I found the therapy scenes lacked psychological probability; it's hard to believe in sessions with such a number of women, and a seemingly incompetent and slightly short on empathy psychologist. Esma comes to terms with her own past, not because of the meeting, but thanks to Sara. When finally, she reveals the long concealed truth. When Sara discovers she is not the child of a war hero, she loses her illusions, but gains inner strength. Luna Mijowic was moving in her portrayal of Sara, a child at the threshold of becoming an adult.

I was fortunate enough to see this wonderful film at the Melbourne International Film Festival where it seemed to receive a positive reaction from the large audience.Jasmila Zbanic has written and directed a film that is powerful enough to speak to a global audience. Even as a twenty-something Australian male, I was able to relate to the struggle of a middle-aged Bosnian woman because of the strength of Zbanic's storytelling and the superb acting.I was particularly astonished by Mirjana Karanovic's performance and would be thrilled to see her acknowledged at Oscar time next year. She captured Esma's internal conflicts perfectly and brought many audience members to tears. Luna Mijovic was also very good as Sara, shifting with ease between adolescent rage and childlike vulnerability.Zbanic should be applauded for crafting a film that reminds us that the wounds of war leave deep scars. While Zbanic's script may not be "perfect", the humanity of her message is strong enough to leave us feeling grateful for the gift of love. At a time when the global political climate is in such tumult, films like this remind us to appreciate the loving relationships we have, despite the baggage they may come with.

i have seen GRBAVICA at the berlinale in Germany and this is one of the best movies i ever seen. without any violent scenes this pictures burns the whole frightening war in former Yugoslavia in your head - without to accuse somebody directly. it is a film about accomplishment of the war, the state of the country now, the relationship between mother and daughter, the puberty and a love story too. very good actors and calmly produced. very earned won the golden bear in berlin! if you have the chance to see this movie, please use it... hopefully this movie will be internationally known, not only in Europe.(excuse, my English is not so good)