“Quo Vadis, Aida?” is a devastating and harrowing film about the Srebrenica massacre. It follows the story of Aida, a translator working for the United Nations who desperately tries to save her family and fellow Muslims from certain death at the hands of Serbian forces. The film is a gut-wrenching exploration of war and its devastating consequences, told with unflinching honesty and heart-wrenching emotion. Its essential message is that humanity must never lose sight of our shared humanity, no matter how deep the divides may seem.
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Review
If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for new movies that will make you feel something deep down in your soul. That’s why I was so excited to check out “Quo Vadis, Aida?”, the latest film from director Jasmila Žbanić. This historical drama tells the story of a woman who does everything in her power to protect her family from the horrors of war, even as she struggles against overwhelming odds.
The movie takes place during the Bosnian War in the early 1990s, and follows Aida (played by Jasna Đuričić), a UN translator who is desperately trying to help her family escape the violent conflict that has enveloped their town. As chaos reigns around her, Aida must navigate a complex web of bureaucracy and politics while also confronting personal demons from her past.
One of the things I appreciated most about this movie was its unflinching portrayal of war and its impact on civilians. Rather than glamorizing violence or presenting a simplistic good-vs-evil narrative, “Quo Vadis, Aida?” shows us the harsh realities of life during wartime – the fear, uncertainty, and moral ambiguity that come with trying to survive in a world gone mad. We see people forced to make impossible choices, risking their own lives and those of their loved ones in order to protect each other.
At the same time, though, this is also a deeply human story about love, sacrifice, and resilience. We see Aida working tirelessly to save her family even when it feels like all hope is lost. The relationship between Aida and her husband Nihad (Izudin Bajrović) is especially moving – they share moments of tenderness and despair that will leave you feeling both heartbroken and inspired.
Of course, no movie can be truly great without a talented cast to bring its characters to life. And in that regard, “Quo Vadis, Aida?” does not disappoint. Jasna Đuričić gives a powerhouse performance as Aida, conveying both her strength and vulnerability with remarkable nuance. She’s supported by a talented ensemble cast, including Boris Isaković as the UN commander who must balance his official duties with his own moral compass.
The film has been receiving critical acclaim since its release last year. It was nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 93rd Academy Awards and won the Best Picture award at the 2021 European Film Awards. It was also listed as one of The New York Times’ top movies of 2020 and has an impressive 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Part of what makes “Quo Vadis, Aida?” so powerful is its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Even if you’ve never experienced war firsthand, you’ll find yourself swept up in the story and feeling like you’re right there alongside Aida and her family. This is a movie that will make you cry, but it will also make you think about what it means to be human in a world full of chaos and cruelty.
One of my favorite quotes from the movie comes from Nihad, who tells Aida: “I believe in us.” In a world where everything seems to be falling apart, it’s easy to lose faith in ourselves and each other. But this movie reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is still hope – hope for love, hope for peace, hope for something better.
The cinematography and score are also worth mentioning – both contribute to the film’s overall sense of atmosphere and tension. Žbanić employs long takes and slow camera movements to create a sense of unease that builds throughout the film. The score by Antoni Komasa-Łazarkiewicz is haunting and evocative, adding another layer of emotional weight to the already-stirring story.
Overall, I cannot recommend “Quo Vadis, Aida?” enough. It’s a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas or simply looking for something that will challenge your perspective on the world, this film is one not to be missed.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 104
- Release : 2021-02-26
- Genre : War, Drama, History
- Cast : Jasna Đuričić as Aida Selmanagic, Izudin Bajrović as Nihad, Boris Ler as Hamdija, Dino Bajrović as Sejo, Johan Heldenbergh as Colonel Karremans
- Crew : Els Vandevorst as Co-Producer, Antonin Svoboda as Co-Producer, Jasmila Žbanić as Director, Jasmila Žbanić as Producer, Jasmila Žbanić as Writer
- Popularity 11.776
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Deblokada, Digital Cube, N279 Entertainment
- Summary : Bosnia, July 1995. Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. As an insider to the negotiations Aida has access to crucial information that she needs to interpret. What is at the horizon for her family and people – rescue or death? Which move should she take?
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