Review of In the Land of Blood and Honey (2011) by Gaby P — 30 Apr 2012

In order to fully grasp the real meaning of the story one needs to step away from its setting and the fact that it is centered around the main characters' relationship. Angelina does a wonderful job directing action/battle sequences and crude situations.

However, there's a deeper meaning than just the obvious and clearly she did not intend on making a documentary or a tale of a lover's predicament. This is not a love story nor is it a film where love conquers all.

In fact, it is not easy to watch. It is a brutal, yet realistic portrayal of self-destruction. Both Ajla (Zana Marjanovi) and Danijel (Goran Kostic) end up losing their most valuable possessions. As the movie progresses, Ajla gradually loses her identity, dignity and self-love for the man she loves.

In contrast, Danijel is torn between the hatred his father instilled in him and the love that he feels for Ajla. His decisions and actions toward Ajla give us an idea of the magnitude of his hatred. Love and hate, two strong yet similar emotions have the power to destroy us, and this is what Angelina's lead characters symbolize.

This is a story of what could have been had the circumstances been different. Sadly, hate triumphs over love. Or does it not? It depends on how one wants to view the final scene where Danijel finally gives up the fight.