Watch Witnesses

Witnesses is a heart-wrenching Bosnian-Serbian war drama from 2003, directed by Vinko Bresan. The movie depicts the brutal reality of the war between the two Balkan countries that caused the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians in the early 1990s. The story revolves around a group of Bosnian Muslim civilians who are held captive in a school building by a group of Serbian soldiers. The captives include women, children, and the elderly. The main character, Haris (played by renowned Croatian actor Leon Lucev), is a former Olympic athlete who is trying to keep the spirits of the prisoners up by telling them stories and making them laugh.

As the days go by, the prisoners become increasingly desperate for food and water, and tensions rise between the different ethnic groups within the captive population. Meanwhile, outside the building, Serbian forces are preparing to launch a final assault on the school, which will likely result in the death of all the prisoners.

One of the most striking things about Witnesses is how it portrays the complex relationships between the characters, many of whom are forced to confront the prejudices and stereotypes they held about one another before the war. As the captives try to find ways to survive, they are often forced to rely on one another for support, causing them to question their assumptions about the 'other side.'

The film highlights the humanity of both the captives and the soldiers, refusing to demonize either group. While the Serbian soldiers are shown to be cruel and sadistic at times, they are also depicted as human beings with their own fears and weaknesses. This nuanced portrayal of the characters adds depth and complexity to the story, making it much more than a simple 'anti-war' movie.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Witnesses is the high level of filmmaking on display. The cinematography is stunning, with beautifully composed shots that capture the harsh beauty of the Bosnian landscape. The use of music is also very effective, with a haunting score that underscores the film's dark themes.

Overall, Witnesses is a powerful and moving film that offers a nuanced and humanistic perspective on the Bosnian-Serbian conflict. While the subject matter is undeniably bleak, the film is worth watching for its honest portrayal of the complexity of human relationships in times of crisis. It is a beautifully crafted work of cinema that deserves a wider audience.