You are here:

The Battle of Neretva

Name: The Battle of Neretva
Director: Veljko Bulajić
Released: 1969
Duration: 175 min

Representation Score

6.6/10

Good

1969

Director

Veljko Bulajić

Runtime

175 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film is a sophisticated epic that uses a large-scale war narrative to deconstruct ethnic and class hierarchies. Its strength lies in its promotion of multi-ethnic solidarity and a secular, collective identity that challenges traditional nationalist frameworks. While progressive for its era, it remains constrained by the social norms of 1969. Gender dynamics are somewhat lopsided, and the lack of LGBTQ+ representation reflects the cinematic conventions of the time. Ultimately, the work succeeds as a piece of revolutionary storytelling, prioritizing systemic liberation and the survival of a diverse, unified front over individualist or religious morality.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does The Battle of Neretva have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

There are no LGBTQ+ characters or narratives addressing non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities in the film. The story focuses entirely on the collective military struggle and Partisan survival.

How does The Battle of Neretva portray gender?

Fair

Women are shown as fighters and medics, rather than domestic figures. However, the central command structure remains predominantly male.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Battle of Neretva?

Excellent

The film features characters from various Yugoslav ethnic groups, promoting a unified, non-hierarchical identity among them.

How does The Battle of Neretva represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story emphasizes secular, socialist ideals over religious institutions. It portrays the struggle as a class-based movement against oppressive fascist structures.

Does The Battle of Neretva include disability representation?

Good

Disabled and wounded soldiers play a central role in the plot's tension. Their protection and evacuation are crucial to the movement's success.

Present on Screen

Features diverse Yugoslav ethnic groups to promote multi-ethnic solidarity.
Portrays women as active fighters and medics, challenging traditional gender roles.
Centralizes the survival of disabled soldiers, giving them significant roles.
Strongly critiques oppressive systemic and imperialist structures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or identities.
Maintains a predominantly male-dominated central command structure.
Reflects the limited social and gender norms of its 1969 release era.

Official Synopsis

In January 1943 the German army, afraid of an Allied invasion of the Balkans, launched a great offensive against Yugoslav Partisans in Western Bosnia. The only way out for Partisan forces and thousands of refugees was the bridge on the river Neretva.

How are these scores produced? →