Movie spotlight
In January 1943 the German army, afraid of an Allied invasion of the Balkans, launched a great offensive against Yugoslav Partisans in Western Bosnia. The only way out for Partisan forces and thousands of refugees was the bridge on the river Neretva.
During World War II, a partisan army fights a desperate battle against Axis forces. Facing overwhelming odds and a brutal winter offensive, the partisans must find a way to outmaneuver the enemy and save thousands of wounded soldiers and civilians trapped in a valley. The film depicts the strategic brilliance and immense human cost of this pivotal conflict.
The film was a major Yugoslavian production with international stars, aiming for epic scale. It received a mixed to positive reception, praised for its ambition and large-scale battle sequences, but sometimes criticized for its lengthy runtime and propaganda elements. It was Yugoslavia's official submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 42nd Academy Awards.
Visually grand with impressive battle scenes.
Ambitious scale and international cast.
Can feel lengthy and overtly nationalistic at times.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available for Google users.
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
The film utilized a vast number of extras, reportedly around 100,000 soldiers from the Yugoslav People's Army, and featured authentic military equipment from the era.
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Though there isn’t too much by way of detailed characterisation here, this is certainly one of the most affecting depictions of the Second World War you’re likely to watch. The Nazis are getting beaten in North Africa and are terrified that...