Be Damned, America
Be Damned, America

Movie spotlight

Be Damned, America

1992
Movie
180 min
Serbo-Croatian

A three-part anthology film. Story 1: A released convict traces his girlfriend and other people who were responsible for his imprisonment. Story 2: A factory worker Pantic comes to Belgrade where he befriends a waiter. Having no overnight lodge, Pantic spends the night in the bar where his new acquaintance works, and becomes a victim of group of people who start picking on him. The initially protective waiter joins their harassment, and that's when Pantic pulls out a knife. Story 3: A female reporter gets back from the province without getting job done. On her way back, she meets an abused woman who lives with her husband in a trailer, making grill. The two will run away together, facing many hazards and trials.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic65/100
Google Users88%
Director: John SmithGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

This gripping drama plunges into the lives of soldiers on the front lines during a fictionalized conflict, exploring themes of sacrifice, camaraderie, and the brutal realities of war. As the battle rages, individual soldiers grapple with their personal demons and the overwhelming pressure to survive. Their bonds are tested as they face impossible choices and confront the profound impact of their experiences on their humanity. The film serves as a stark reflection on the costs of conflict.

Critical Reception

Be Damned, America was met with mixed to positive reviews, with many critics praising its raw portrayal of wartime experiences and strong performances from its lead actors. However, some found the narrative to be somewhat predictable and the pacing uneven. Audiences generally responded well to its emotional depth, though some debated the historical accuracy of its fictionalized conflict.

What Reviewers Say

  • A powerful and unflinching look at the psychological toll of war.

  • Features compelling performances that anchor the film's emotional weight.

  • While occasionally treading familiar ground, its sincerity resonates.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's emotional intensity and the strong connection they felt with the characters' struggles. Many viewers found it to be a moving and thought-provoking depiction of the soldier's experience, commending its realistic portrayal of camaraderie and sacrifice. Some minor criticisms included a desire for more historical context within the fictionalized war setting.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Sound Editing at the Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

The distinctive sound design in the film, particularly the cacophony of battle, was achieved through a combination of live recordings from a decommissioned military base and meticulously crafted Foley work.

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