Watch Quo Vadis, Aida?

Quo Vadis, Aida? is a powerful and emotional film directed by Jasmila Žbanić. Set during the Bosnian War, the movie follows the story of Aida, a translator for the United Nations who desperately tries to save her family and fellow Bosniak citizens from the brutal Serbian forces. The film is primarily set in the town of Srebrenica, which was declared a United Nations Safe Area in 1993. However, in 1995, Serbian forces took control of the town, committing one of the worst atrocities of the war, the Srebrenica massacre. This brutal event serves as the backdrop for the film's tense and heart-wrenching narrative.

Jasna Djuricic delivers an outstanding performance as Aida, a strong and determined woman who will stop at nothing to protect her family. She is aided by fellow United Nations workers and a number of brave Bosniak citizens, including her husband and sons, who are all at risk of being captured, tortured, and killed by the advancing Serbian forces.

Izudin Bajrovic portrays Aida's husband, Nihad, with sensitivity and depth. Boris Ler plays Colonel Karremans, the Dutch commander of the United Nations forces stationed in Srebrenica. His character highlights the difficulties and challenges faced by the United Nations during the war, as they struggled to maintain their neutrality and protect the citizens of Srebrenica.

The film's tension and terror rise slowly but steadily, as the Serbian forces close in on the town. Scenes of panic, confusion, and violence are interspersed with moments of familial love, tenderness, and heartbreak. Moments of respite and hope are quickly dashed by the harsh realities of war and the brutality of the Serbian forces.

The cinematography is masterful, capturing the beauty and serenity of the Bosnian landscape as well as the ugliness and violence of war. The use of close-up shots and handheld cameras creates a feeling of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the story and highlighting the emotions and motivations of the characters.

Overall, Quo Vadis, Aida? is a harrowing and moving film that sheds light on one of the darkest moments of recent history. It is a reminder of the cruelty of war and the importance of human compassion and perseverance in the face of unspeakable horrors. It is a testament to the courage and resilience of the Bosniak people and a tribute to those who lost their lives in the Srebrenica massacre.

Quo Vadis, Aida? is a 2020 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0 and a MetaScore of 97.