Yugoslavia collapsed in the early 90s, accompanied by several wars. The most bloody and terrible conflict took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Europe many years after World War II again became the scene of many tragedies. People were killed, raped, tortured and forced to abandon their homes. International organizations for a long time couldn't stop violence in the Balkans. Bosnian conflict was one of many where the UN was involved, but for some observers, it was an example of ineffective actions. 'Resolution 819' was the best proof of it.
Civilians in the 'Bosnian Muslim enclaves' were in a very difficult situation, especially in Srebrenica, when in April 1993 the city was the target of Serb forces attack. To protect the city's residents, the UN Security Council made on 19 April 1993 – Resolution No. 819 and recognized the Srebrenica as a "safety zone".
That zone is the scene for history about the Polish pathologist – Klara Górska (played by Karolina Gruszka), and French police officer – Jacques Calvez (Benoît Magimel), who had to find and identify bodies of people who had been murdered in Srebrenica in 1995. Main characters made exhumation of almost 8 thousand people, trying to find evidence that could be used against criminals in the Court of Justice in Hague.
To emphasize the tragedy, director Giacomo Battiato, decided to use brutal and naturalistic scenes. To authenticate the story, the movie includes original TV video materials from the 90s. The director also shows the huge powerlessness of United Nations, cause most of their solutions were not producing of any effects. Without giving anything away about the story, the plot itself is very solid.
For me the movie looks like a study on human suffering and pointlessness of war, but I think it is worth seeing. 'Resolution 819' is trying to explain the history of the Bosnian war in a simple way and can be a good lesson, especially for young people who forgot the tragedy happening several years ago in the heart of Europe. The main characters played their roles quite well. No doubt the music composed by Ennio Morricone is really great.
'Resolution 819' was awarded by Golden Statuette of Marcus Aurelius on the most important festival in Rome in 2008.
To be perfectly honest you shouldn't be disappointed. So for those of you who have not seen this yet
what are you waiting for?
