Circles

Watch Circles

  • NR
  • 2007
  • 22 min

Circles is a powerful and moving film that explores themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the ripple effects of violence on both the perpetrator and the victims. The film is set in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and tells the story of three interconnected individuals whose lives were forever changed by a tragic event during the Bosnian War, where Serbian soldiers massacred a group of Bosniak civilians.

The first protagonist is Harun, a Bosniak man who survived the massacre as a child, but lost his father in the attack. Harun, now a young man, works as a mechanic and is haunted by his past trauma. He struggles to come to terms with his survivor guilt and has recurring nightmares about the incident. Harun's boss, a Serbian war veteran, wants him to fix his car, but Harun initially refuses, as he cannot bring himself to deal with a Serbian. However, when his boss offers to help Harun reconnect with his estranged mother, who had left the family after the war, Harun reluctantly agrees. The scenes between Harun and his mother are particularly powerful, as they both grapple with their feelings of guilt and shame about their past choices.

The second protagonist is Milan, a Serbian soldier who took part in the massacre but was later imprisoned for his crimes. After serving his sentence, Milan returns to his hometown, but finds himself shunned by his former friends and family. He wants to redeem himself and make amends for his past actions, and so he starts working at a bakery run by a Bosniak woman who lost her husband in the war. Milan's interactions with the bakery owner, who is initially suspicious of him, are poignant and reveal the complexities of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The third protagonist is Nebojsa, a Serbian ambulance driver who witnessed the massacre but did nothing to stop it. His guilt and shame have consumed him, and he has become an alcoholic, estranged from his wife and daughter. Nebojsa's story is particularly heart-wrenching, as he struggles to come to terms with his passivity and the fact that he could have saved innocent lives if he had acted differently. He eventually seeks redemption by befriending a Bosniak widow, who lost her husband and son in the massacre. The scenes between Nebojsa and the widow are incredibly moving, as they bond over their shared grief and pain.

What makes Circles so powerful is its intimate portrayal of the characters and their struggles. The film does not shy away from the atrocities committed during the war, but it also does not reduce the characters to caricatures of victims or perpetrators. Each person is complex and multidimensional, with their own motivations, fears, and desires. The pacing of the film is slow but deliberate, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in the characters' experiences and emotions.

Director Srdan Golubovic has crafted a masterpiece of storytelling, weaving together the different threads of the characters' lives into a tapestry of redemption and healing. The film's title refers to the concept of karma, and how one's actions ripple outwards and affect others in unexpected ways. Circles reminds us that reconciliation is a difficult and painful process, but one that is essential for healing and moving forward.

In conclusion, Circles is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking film that tackles heavy themes with sensitivity and nuance. The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly Aleksandar Bercek as Milan and Leon Lucev as Nebojsa. The cinematography is stunning, capturing the stark beauty of the Balkan landscape and the haunting remnants of the war. Circles is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of forgiveness and redemption in the aftermath of violent conflict.

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Description
  • Release Date
    2007
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    22 min
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