Movie spotlight
Death in Sarajevo
Sarajevo on 28 of June, 2014. At the Hotel Europa, the best hotel in town, the manager Omer prepares to welcome a delegation of diplomatic VIPs. On the centenary of the assassination that is considered to have led to World War I, an appeal for peace and understanding is supposed to start from here. But the hotel staff have other worries: having not been paid for months, they are planning to go on strike. Hatidza from the hotel laundry is elected strike leader even though her daughter Lamija, who works in reception, is firmly against industrial action. Meanwhile, in the sealed-off presidential suite, a guest from France rehearses a speech. Elsewhere, a television reporter conducts interviews about war and its consequences. Was Gavrilo Princip, the 1914 assassin, a criminal or a national hero? What long shadow does his deed cast into the present?
Insights
Plot Summary
On the night of a momentous event in Sarajevo, the Grand Hotel is preparing to host a state dinner to celebrate the European Union's expansion. While the staff tries to ensure everything runs smoothly, a series of interconnected stories unfold within the hotel's walls, revealing the lingering tensions and unresolved traumas of the city's past. Each character's personal drama mirrors the larger political and social complexities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Critical Reception
Death in Sarajevo received widespread critical acclaim for its masterful direction, compelling performances, and poignant exploration of contemporary Balkan society. Critics lauded its ability to weave together individual struggles with historical context, offering a powerful commentary on the legacy of conflict and the challenges of reconciliation.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its rich tapestry of characters and interwoven narratives.
Acclaimed for its astute political and social commentary on the Balkans.
Celebrated for Danis Tanović's assured and insightful direction.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's profound emotional impact and its ability to provoke thought about historical events and their ongoing consequences. Many appreciated the nuanced character development and the film's realistic portrayal of complex social dynamics.
Awards & Accolades
Won the Grand Jury Prize at the 66th Berlin International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
Director Danis Tanović, who previously won an Oscar for 'No Man's Land', drew inspiration for 'Death in Sarajevo' from his own experiences and observations of life in Sarajevo after the Bosnian War.
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