Plot
In the dreary remnants of a shattered Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the film Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams weaves a poignant tale of a single mother's struggle to confront the haunting skeleton of a war-ravaged past. Esma, a Bosnian woman, lives a subdued existence with her 12-year-old daughter Sara in the gritty quarter of Grbavica, Sarajevo. Their relationship, although marred by the chilling shadow of xenophobia and conflict, is put to an emotional test when a school trip for Sara looms on the horizon.
With the echoes of a cruel and cold war still reverberating, Esma must find a way to afford the full price of the trip, despite the existence of a discount for children of war heroes. The discount could be accessed with a certificate validating Sara's father as a war hero, a piece of paper that Esma hesitates to procure. This decision sets in motion a series of complications and rude awakenings, stirring dormant ashes of painful secrets.
Jasmila Zbanic's debut movie, Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams is a stirring exploration of the aftermath of the Balkan War, as experienced by a mother and daughter. It's a compelling narrative that delves into the heart of a mother's anguish to shield her child from the terrible reality of their past, and a young girl's journey towards understanding the complex world around her. An intricate dance between the harsh truth and the comforting lie, this film is a testament to resilience amidst life's cruelest trials.
Where to watch Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams?
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams is a drama movie featuring Mirjana Karanović.
Grbavica: The Land of My Dreams is currently streaming on Hoopla.