Le Chemin de Halima

Halima's Path tackles the subject of the Balkan War, venturing much further than a simple retelling of events. Set in Bosnia, the story unfolds through the masterful use of flashback. Beginning in pre-conflict, multi-ethnic Yugoslavia the film culminates in present-day Bosnia with the tragic repercussions of the war. Halima's seemingly straightforward quest to have the remains of her husband and son identified from those found in a mass grave exposes a richly woven tapestry of events--a tapestry which reveals the very human side of war.

The film is brilliantly directed by Arsen A. Ostojic, with excellent performances delivered by a stellar cast. Particularly powerful are Alma Prica in the role of Halima and Olga Pakalovic as Safija. The evocative score adds to the authenticity of the film.

Halima's Path offers a novel look into the personal tragedy of war. This supremely moving film delivers a true emotional punch--be prepared to shed more than a few tears. A true masterpiece.

If You don't want to cry skip this movie - it is very good and really deeply touches basic human conflicts that are so common on Balcans, but also universal. It was so difficult to me to explain to a foreigner (I am Serbian grew up in Slovenia during Yugoslavia) what was really going on during the war in Bosnia, Croatia... In short words it is inexplicable. The movie is a really good explanation what is going on during the centuries: how deeply people actually are connected to each other, but in many periods they try to behave as they are not et all. Actors are great and connection to reality is all the time alive. But specially I like dedication of this movie to a woman, who is a special victim in Balcans wars. I felt Halima's story is a very strong symbol for all mothers who pass all kinds of experiences to get a child and rise it - just to lose it for stupid wars, again and again and again...

I have just saw the movie,it's really one of best that come from the Balkans,the story is centered in west Bosnia,the most actors and actress are Bosnians,but it's directed and produced by Croatians(west neighbors)

The story is about 2-3 families in a small village,telling how they lived before the war,showing us the differences in two religious families(Serbs and Bosnian Muslims)but also showing us that they have the same mentality.

Slavomir(Serb) and Safija(Bosnian Muslim) fell in love and she gets pregnant and that can't accept their families. That's why Safija runs to aunt Halima and the new born child gives to her telling the family that the child was dead born. 2 years later Slavomir comes from Germany and meets Safija,they both flee to a far places and begun a new life. But war comes ,Slavomir is recruited to the Serbian army.....many things happens during the war that will leave aftermath to both families.

The rest(and the most) of the movie continues after 5 years at the end of war,Halima is searching for the bones of 'son' Mirza,and Slavomir is melancholy drinking every day at the tavern,Safija is living with Slavomir and they 3 children....

What are they secrets and what will be with them at the end ?

I don't want tell that,watch the movie, it's really a masterpiece,one of the best movies i ever saw.Thanks to our west neighbors for this story and i want to wish you good luck ,i hope this movie will get some awards on international movie competitions. 10/10

Bosnia is hardly known for its film industry, overshadowed by the last two decades of war. As a lover of foreign films, I must admit that I don't suppose I've even heard the language spoken before in a film, or was aware of movies being made in Bosnia and Yugoslavia. This one really won me over with its cinema verite style, shot on actual 16mm film. It's really refreshing when you see how someone can tell such a compelling story that's so simplistic - the story of a mother in search of her family. There's an air of authenticity in everything here - from the real locations, to the actors who lived through this very divisive conflict in their history. It's truly amazing - almost feels like a realist novel unfolding on screen, as you quickly forget that you're watching a movie.

Because of the outstanding performance of the film's creators, I lived a period of time in Bosnia, a simple and beautiful life despite the tragedies until the end of the badge.