In the Land of Blood and Honey has been described by critics as a “Romeo and Juliet” type love story set against the background of the Bosnian War. However, this is far from the case. Despite negative reviews from several critics, In the Land of Blood and Honey is nothing short of remarkable, and does not deserve nearly all of its criticism. Written, produced, and directed by Angelina Jolie, the storyline is a terrifying, beautiful tale woven by the threads of a troubled love story, the Bosnian War, and atrocious crimes against humanity committed in Bosnia and Hezegovina in the 1990s. In the Land of Blood and Honey is one of the most remarkable films of the year, if not the decade.
The story begins in an unexpected fashion. The main character, Ajla, is painting a self-portrait and getting ready for a date with a young, strapping Sarajevo police officer, Danijel. Ajla is seen walking through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Sarajevo, lined with sidewalk cafes, beautiful flowers, and sounds of calming music. However, at the dance club with Danijel, a bomb detonates and the lives of the people of Sarajevo are forever changed. The film from this point follows Ajla’s path from her peaceful, majority Muslim community, into a horrific Serbian war camp. Danijel finds himself as a soldier fighting for the Serbs. Conveniently, Ajla ends up at the war camp, which Danijel oversees. Because of this she avoids many of the tragedies the other prisoners are forced to endure, including hundreds of rapes, starvation, abuse, and even use as a human shield in combat.
As the story progresses, there are many unexpected twists and turns along the way. Although anyone who has studied the conflict knows the end result, every moment watching the movie is loaded with suspense as to who will prevail. Danijel’s allegiance to the Serbs, along with Ajla’s Muslim faith, leads to constant turbulence, and several instances of gut-wrenching violence and torture. On top of this, the story of Ajla’s sister and her community haunts the background. The film is perhaps one of the best, most realistic portrayals of the suffering endured by some Serbs, but principally Muslims during the Bosnian War. What makes the film unbelievably striking is that this conflict occurred less than two decades ago.
Angelina Jolie proves to be successful as a director, in nearly every aspect. However, my only criticism is the premature development of the relationship between Ajla and Danijel before the war. Jolie fails to ignite the spark between them that warrants the rest of the storyline. Perhaps a few more dates, or even a single intimate moment could have easily fixed the entire film. This can be excused somewhat, however, by the fact the Jolie made a point of using all Bosnian actors, and even shot the movie in the language that was actually spoken during in Bosnia. Although the story is dark and the violence often nauseating, In the Land of Blood and Honey is one of the few reminders we have of the atrocities of the Bosnian War, which must be taken as a harsh lesson for the future.
In the Land of Blood and Honey
by Mackenzie M. January 20th, 2012 |Drama, Movie Reviews
The story begins in an unexpected fashion. The main character, Ajla, is painting a self-portrait and getting ready for a date with a young, strapping Sarajevo police officer, Danijel. Ajla is seen walking through the picturesque cobblestone streets of Sarajevo, lined with sidewalk cafes, beautiful flowers, and sounds of calming music. However, at the dance club with Danijel, a bomb detonates and the lives of the people of Sarajevo are forever changed. The film from this point follows Ajla’s path from her peaceful, majority Muslim community, into a horrific Serbian war camp. Danijel finds himself as a soldier fighting for the Serbs. Conveniently, Ajla ends up at the war camp, which Danijel oversees. Because of this she avoids many of the tragedies the other prisoners are forced to endure, including hundreds of rapes, starvation, abuse, and even use as a human shield in combat.
As the story progresses, there are many unexpected twists and turns along the way. Although anyone who has studied the conflict knows the end result, every moment watching the movie is loaded with suspense as to who will prevail. Danijel’s allegiance to the Serbs, along with Ajla’s Muslim faith, leads to constant turbulence, and several instances of gut-wrenching violence and torture. On top of this, the story of Ajla’s sister and her community haunts the background. The film is perhaps one of the best, most realistic portrayals of the suffering endured by some Serbs, but principally Muslims during the Bosnian War. What makes the film unbelievably striking is that this conflict occurred less than two decades ago.
Angelina Jolie proves to be successful as a director, in nearly every aspect. However, my only criticism is the premature development of the relationship between Ajla and Danijel before the war. Jolie fails to ignite the spark between them that warrants the rest of the storyline. Perhaps a few more dates, or even a single intimate moment could have easily fixed the entire film. This can be excused somewhat, however, by the fact the Jolie made a point of using all Bosnian actors, and even shot the movie in the language that was actually spoken during in Bosnia. Although the story is dark and the violence often nauseating, In the Land of Blood and Honey is one of the few reminders we have of the atrocities of the Bosnian War, which must be taken as a harsh lesson for the future.