Warriors

It's a shame that this movie will be seen only by a minority. A remarkable and authentic documentation of the humanitarian mission of the British UN peace force during the Bosnian war.

You may think, due to its documentary character, the movie is awfully boring. The opposite is the case: Because of the excellent camera work, you get the impression of being a member of the British armoured infantrymen yourself. And while you are patrolling the area in white tanks in order to show UNPROFOR presence, the only thing you are allowed to do by higher orders of the UN command is to observe, unable to help, shield or evacuate the civilians from the atrocities committed by the soldiers and militia of each ethnical fraction. You start feeling as helpless as the British soldiers must have felt in reality. This movie is therefore very disillusioning and depressing.

In my opinion, this is a very powerful movie with the typical BBC documentation style, no Hollywood clichés. It should be seen by many, many more people, especially when you consider that this historic example of ethnic cleansing took place right on our doorstep only a decade ago and nevertheless today is almost forgotten. An impressive account of the tragic role of the UN during a bloody civil war.

Highly recommended! 10/10

...and the rest of America will realize it if it is ever seen on American television. Where is PBS when you need them most? BBC America has shown this several times, without their usual commercial interruption (which should give some indication of the respect they hold for this drama), but unfortunately not many cable systems offer BBC America. PBS is dropping the ball by not picking this up for the rest of the United States to view. The writing, acting, and production values are all excellent. If only people knew what they were missing.

As far as I´m concerned Warriors is a very realistic depiction of what it was like in Bosnia during the war. It shows the brutality being committed to civilians and how the "hopeless" Un-mandate could comfuse (and disgust) both the population and the soldiers themselves. Just look what happened in the "safe sone" of Srebrenica(!).

But one must bare in mind that the events depicted here is just in One particular region of Bosnia. Here it happenes to be the British-sector in the Travnic, Vitez, Amichi area. Some incidents I know happened (like the burned victims in the cellar) and some are most likely made up, but surely with the intent of realism in mind. Here obviosly the Serbs outnumbered the Muslims and therefor had most of the control. This I mention because after reading two comments here, both from Bosnia oe most likely to be Serb (saying that the depictions in this film are "black and white" portrayed) and one Muslim (Finding the film to be very realistic, having lived through the whole war in Sarajevo.)

Having been in bosnia myself I think I can appreciate this film more. Being shot in Tsjekkia it still looks very much like Bosnia. Although it was wery calm there then (in -99),long after the war was over. The UN had been replaced by the NATO forces(maybe a bit too late). But the work consisted of pretty much the same(except for the extreme tasks given as the result of war off cource) , driving around in our "sizu`s", working with local interpreters and keeping in touch with the local population. The following year I went to Kosovo, a more recent conflict. During that war NATO bombed Serbia in protest of the treatment given to the Albanians in Kosovo. When we arrived(early 2000) the situation had turned to the opposite and it was mostly the Serbs who had to be kept safe of the Albanians, who had started returning to Kosovo.

So I agree that there is no such thing as a "black and white" explanation of the tragedy. There was surely bad deeds made by all "sides", as in every war.

Film rates 10/10!

I, have to emphasis that, I was not in Bosnia during the wartime. But because we lived in the same state for a long time I can say that I have a good historical overview and a lot of informations from all sides involved in war in Bosnia. On that basis I think the movie is good representation of real event. It is also very good antiwar movie.

I can imagine that Serbs wont like the movie, but they have to face the truth. Sooner they realize the truth better for them and for development of their nation. The fact that all sides did war crimes is not of big help here. The fact is that pictures, like in movie, were the most common, and you have to remember who started the blood spilling and genocide. But remember it is not about people but politics who manipulate with masses. The people are the same everywhere you go; bad and good and mostly inbetween. The role of international community and UNPROFOR in Bosnia was very questionable. They let the killing of innocents before their eyes and did nothing. Even more, the UN people turned into a corrupted band who struggled only for surviving, earning money and promotions. Even on highest levels. Just remember one French general.

But like I said the people are good and bad. So I can imagine that some soldiers had a real problems with facing the unjustice and horror supported from international community.

I saw yesterday on Monte Negro TV a prewar speech from president of Bosnia,

Alija Izetbegovic who said: " Bad negotations are better then a good war." Congratulations to Monte Negro TV for independent standpoint with presentations of former enemies and to mr. Izetbegovic for a clever thought. Too bad they all did not take this idea seriously.

One more. Yesterday at night I saw this movie on Pink TV. Yes, on Serbian TV! The things are changing. Congratulations!!!

With all respect on victims on all sides.

This film, about a group of British soldiers helping out for the UN in Bosnia in the early 90s, is a disturbing, powerful and superb piece of film making.

Despite its long length, this film depicts the frustration and personal pain British troops faced while in Bosnia, witnessing mass deaths of civilians and being unable to give proper assistance because of war 'restrictions'. The atmosphere is bleak and often tense, with the audience sympathising with the frustrated troops after 'clearing' up human body remains.

The aftermath and the pain the soldiers continue to feel after they get back to Britian is unsympathetic and superbly acted, especially from 'Band Of Brothers' star Damian Lewis and Matthew MacFadyen, and the scene when a soldier befriends a Bosnian civilian wearing a Manchester United shirt and has to hand him over to officials to be shot is one of the most powerful humanitarian war scenes in any film I have ever witnessed, with the Liverpool born soldier sinking to breaking point and bursting into tears.

It is easy to see why people may not like this. The pace is slow from time to time. Perhaps it is a touchy subject, but its a shame more people in America will not have the chance to see it. They should. It is compulsive viewing.

Harrowing and brilliant, Warriors will stay with you.

8.5 out of 10