film synopsis
Some 20 years after the armed conflict in former Yugoslavia, a diverse group of veterans—Bosnians, Croats and Serbs—gathers at a remote mountain hotel for a multi-day therapy session. The Slovenian psychiatrist wants the participants to let go of the myth of macho masculinity that has been bred into them, and by extension, overcome their prejudices, so as to expose the inhumanity of the war atrocities perpetrated—by themselves or by others. The experience of the war revealed uncomfortable inner truths for these men, truths each one would prefer to hide from himself and the world. Bridging their many differences is a profound, shared shame. Despite his good intentions, the doctor isn’t prepared for the volatility of the situation, which starts to flame out of control when alcohol is added to the mix.
Some of the region’s finest actors play against type in this compelling drama, which illustrates that catharsis is not so simple.
Winner: Best Film, Zagreb; Special Jury Prize, Karlovy Vary
In competition for the FIPRESCI Prize.