Freedom from Despair (2004) User Reviews

A must see for everyone

[michelle-dunaj · 10/10 · 25 August 2005]

This documentary brings attention to the inhumane and repressive Yugoslavian system that her father and millions of other Croatians endured. I was captivated by her Dad's remarkable story, his desperate life in a communist country and finally his dangerous escape. I saw his anguish, felt his pain, and rejoiced in his new life. It was like watching the story of my father, and millions of other Croatians who were forced to escape from their home. It was an emotional film for me and recognized that it only takes a whisper to set the truth free. Brenda Brkusic's does an outstanding job incorporating communist documentaries, political prisoner survivor interviews and video clips from the war that lead to Croatia's freedom into her father's story. Many people were not aware of the evils that took place during Tito's reign while many ignored the plights and screams from those coming from Yugoslavia. Still the communist's today in Croatia and Serbia chose to ignore the truth and live in complete denial of their past. But for those who escaped and survived they have made their new lives for Freedom from Despair.

A film about the Croatian struggle for human rights and independence.

[antem-2 · 10/10 · 6 August 2005]

The struggle for human rights of Croatian people is the main focus of this feature length documentary. This Croatian struggle is told through the autobiography of the main character supplemented with original footage and interviews. This film instantly appeals to everyone due to its professionalism and its informative content. On another dimension it also speaks to the heart of Croatian political refugees who had escaped from communist Yugoslavia over past decades. The totalitarian nature of former Yugoslav communist society comes to life on screen through re-enactments. Croatian people in search of their civil rights were labeled as 'anti-state elements' and 'reactionaries' as their struggle under the Tito personality cult is revealed. But not all is depressing as the mood gradually builds towards an exciting climax and the original musical score keeps pace. I highly recommend the film. It accomplishes what it sets out to do! It will help you to better understand why the former Yugoslavia broke up violently.

Historical Documentary Endorsed by Amnesty International and US Congress

[mkolega1 · 10/10 · 28 June 2006]

This is the first documentary that truly depicts the plight of the Croatian people under Communist Yugoslavia. This film brilliantly weaves statements from expert eye-witnesses, historians, authors, and politicians. The film has won dozens of awards in film festivals around the world, including a CINE Golden Eagle Award and an International Documentary Association Nomination. I think what is so powerful about the film is the fact that the audience can relate to what is on the screen and it becomes a very emotional experience for the viewer. The Anti-Defamation League recognized this film as one of the best films in 2005 and Amnesty International and US Congress both endorse the film. Amnesty International writes "Brenda Brkusic's documentary is an example of sublime film-making that poignantly tells the story of one brave man and translates his experience into powerful and compelling statements about the human spirit, political agendas, and global responsibility. The participation of such talented and well respected actors as Michael York, John Savage and Beata Pozniak will help the film reach a more mainstream audience. Amnesty International commends Brenda for this film's achievement and we hope that she continues to bring socially conscious films to the attention of audiences around the world." I highly recommend this film to anyone seeking "the big picture" in regards to the oppression people suffered in Yugoslavia (the film begins in the late 1950's when the filmmaker's father was just a young boy) and the events that led to the break up of Yugoslavia in the 1990's. Two thumbs way up!