

Grbavica (2005) (Austria/Bosnia-Herzegovina/Germany/Croatia)

Director: Jasmila Zbanic
Cast: Mirjana Karanovic, Luna Mijovic

Patience is needed with this film. For many art film goers, the genre may not be exactly new ... So, for the first half of the film, many may wonder what makes this film so great ... the audience is introduced to these pair of mother (Mirjana Karanovi) and daughter (Luna Mijovi ) ... with a strong bond, but constantly undergoing strains with the daughter's rebellious streak ... more importantly, there seems to exist a secret from the past. To the attentive audience, hints are being dropped of the "truth/twist" in this film ...

I like the film for these three reasons ... 

First, the two actresses ... they make you believe in their characters ... complex and contradictory but believable ...

Second, as usual, half the battle is won with a good message ... not just at the "world/society" level (with regards to peace, harmony, and different races, etc) but also at the family level (there is always tension and quarrel; yet, there is always love and care for one another) ...

Third, with such controversial topic, it is not easy to have an ending that will please all ... however, in my humble opinion, it does have a well crafted ending that convey a much bigger message about humanity ... 

Conclusion:
Recommended. About half way through, some people may still wonder why it manages to clinch the top award at Berlin Film Fest. To me, the ending makes the major difference (demarcating it from a mediocre film) ... In particular, the positive outlook and the courage to face all odds make it a great film ... Yet, the ending does not seek to resolve all issues ...