Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum
Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

Movie spotlight

Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum

2016
Movie
90 min
Italian

Stefano, a solitary killer with a dark past, works as a bouncer in a nightclub to cover up his real occupation. He avoids hanging out with friends and relatives and his only human contact is with young Filippo, who is enrolled in the same gym where he trains. His passion for Chinese food and the Orient leads him to meet Lee Ang, a girl who works in the family restaurant and who, a victim of her father's overbearing severity, begins to secretly date him until he falls in love with her and questions his life and future.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Director: Mladen DjordjevicGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

In a nation grappling with the aftermath of war, a former soldier, Zoran, struggles to reintegrate into civilian life. He takes a job as a security guard at a remote oil field, hoping for peace. However, his past and the volatile environment of the oil field soon draw him back into conflict, forcing him to confront his own demons and the brutal realities of survival.

Critical Reception

"Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum" received mixed to positive reviews, with critics often highlighting its grim realism and strong performances, though some found its pacing uneven. The film was recognized for its unflinching portrayal of post-war trauma and the lingering effects of violence on individuals and society.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw and unflinching depiction of post-conflict struggles.

  • Noted for solid performances, particularly from the lead actor.

  • Some critics found the narrative pacing to be a point of weakness.

Google audience: Audience reception is not widely available through Google reviews for this specific film.

Fun Fact

The film's title, "Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum," is a Latin phrase meaning "If you want peace, prepare for war."

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