In the Land of Blood and Honey

w/d Angelina Jolie

Very impressive project set during the internecine conflict which resulted in the dismantling of socialist Yugoslavia.

The drama is focused on a love relationship between a Serb officer and a muslim woman but the larger theme is the abuse of women in this war and any war. The relentless cruelty visited upon women was hard to take...but it was even harder for them to endure. This was the first war where rape was prosecuted afterward as a crime.

Excellent mise-en-scene, direction...particularly during the action scenes. Strong lead performances esp Zara Marjanovic. First rate message film.

7