Well, I just finished watching the movie and I'm feeling pretty down. You see, I've spent the whole war in Sarajevo and I had the good luck needed to survive through the whole thing. This brings us to the fact that I'm not so objective since I'm emotionally involved in this matter. The war ended four years ago but this movie made me feel like it was still going on. I could not sit calmly while I was watching it. It was so disturbingly realistic that the whole time I was watching it I could not choose between crying and laughing and at the end I caught myself sitting and staring at a non-existing dot on the wall. I can tell you one thing: If this film was intended to send the message of peace and tolerance it failed. Once again it filled me with emotions of pain and hate that I was trying to leave behind. Yet, it does not make it less significant. I just noticed that my whole comment was about my emotions and not about the movie so I world like to state that this is a great film with good cast but for a second I wished that I hadn't seen it in the first place. I hope that people from outside of Bosnia will see it and will not accept it as a piece of fiction; they should be aware of the fact that these things still really happen at the and of 20th century. Shameful.
38 Reviews
Excellent production
raymond-massart17 May 2006
This two-part series which was shown on TV is a description of how a majority of British UN soldiers experienced the war in former Yougoslavia.Their task was mainly a humanitarian mission based on a policy of non-intervention.This policy may have worked in the minds of well-intentioned theoreticians but was impossible to execute in the real environment of war-torn Bosnia.These soldiers were subjected to constant stress resulting from their orders not to intervene, the hostility they experienced as foreign intruders,the language barriers and the bestiality they encountered without being able to offer any significant help.The traumas that these men experienced definitely had a devastating and lasting effect on their further lives "Warriors" draws the viewer into the ongoing drama in such a convincing way that one fully grasps the frustration these soldiers must have experienced. Excellent production: a top-class cinematographic document performed by outstanding actors.
Harrowing, bleak and brilliant war film.
AndoMando6 December 2002
This film, about a group of British soldiers helping out for the UN in Bosnia in the early 90s, is a disturbing, powerful and superb piece of film making.
Despite its long length, this film depicts the frustration and personal pain British troops faced while in Bosnia, witnessing mass deaths of civilians and being unable to give proper assistance because of war 'restrictions'. The atmosphere is bleak and often tense, with the audience sympathising with the frustrated troops after 'clearing' up human body remains.
The aftermath and the pain the soldiers continue to feel after they get back to Britian is unsympathetic and superbly acted, especially from 'Band Of Brothers' star Damian Lewis and Matthew MacFadyen, and the scene when a soldier befriends a Bosnian civilian wearing a Manchester United shirt and has to hand him over to officials to be shot is one of the most powerful humanitarian war scenes in any film I have ever witnessed, with the Liverpool born soldier sinking to breaking point and bursting into tears.
It is easy to see why people may not like this. The pace is slow from time to time. Perhaps it is a touchy subject, but its a shame more people in America will not have the chance to see it. They should. It is compulsive viewing.
Harrowing and brilliant, Warriors will stay with you.
8.5 out of 10
Despite its long length, this film depicts the frustration and personal pain British troops faced while in Bosnia, witnessing mass deaths of civilians and being unable to give proper assistance because of war 'restrictions'. The atmosphere is bleak and often tense, with the audience sympathising with the frustrated troops after 'clearing' up human body remains.
The aftermath and the pain the soldiers continue to feel after they get back to Britian is unsympathetic and superbly acted, especially from 'Band Of Brothers' star Damian Lewis and Matthew MacFadyen, and the scene when a soldier befriends a Bosnian civilian wearing a Manchester United shirt and has to hand him over to officials to be shot is one of the most powerful humanitarian war scenes in any film I have ever witnessed, with the Liverpool born soldier sinking to breaking point and bursting into tears.
It is easy to see why people may not like this. The pace is slow from time to time. Perhaps it is a touchy subject, but its a shame more people in America will not have the chance to see it. They should. It is compulsive viewing.
Harrowing and brilliant, Warriors will stay with you.
8.5 out of 10
Warriors is 'factual'
adwilliams13428 September 2007
Warriors is a drama, but every incident you see in it is factual. The makers interviewed Infantry soldiers from UNPROFOR1 (The Cheshire Regiment) and UNPROFOR2 (The Prince Of Wales Own Yorkshire Regiment).
The MoD gave the makers permission to approach soldiers who had been involved in incidents so that they could replicate them for the screen, along with what the soldier's were actually thinking and feeling at the time.
A lot of incidents were rejected on the grounds that they would not be believed by the viewing public or were just to 'bloody'.
In addition, soldiers helped the actors wear their equipment properly, act properly etc.
How do I know this? Two of the incidents depicted I was involved in. I was in the Cheshire Regiment. I have since testified in 2 war crimes trials at the Hague.
No matter what you think, believe me it was far worse than what you see. You only see it, you don't smell it.
To this day (2007) most of us that were their in that first year still have a feeling that somehow we failed those poor people and our politicians were weak.
It is very, very well made and very, very realistic as to what it was like.
The MoD gave the makers permission to approach soldiers who had been involved in incidents so that they could replicate them for the screen, along with what the soldier's were actually thinking and feeling at the time.
A lot of incidents were rejected on the grounds that they would not be believed by the viewing public or were just to 'bloody'.
In addition, soldiers helped the actors wear their equipment properly, act properly etc.
How do I know this? Two of the incidents depicted I was involved in. I was in the Cheshire Regiment. I have since testified in 2 war crimes trials at the Hague.
No matter what you think, believe me it was far worse than what you see. You only see it, you don't smell it.
To this day (2007) most of us that were their in that first year still have a feeling that somehow we failed those poor people and our politicians were weak.
It is very, very well made and very, very realistic as to what it was like.
great drama depicting the british soldiers in Bosnia.
dooose31 August 2003
As far as I´m concerned Warriors is a very realistic depiction of what it was like in Bosnia during the war. It shows the brutality being committed to civilians and how the "hopeless" Un-mandate could comfuse (and disgust) both the population and the soldiers themselves. Just look what happened in the "safe sone" of Srebrenica(!).
But one must bare in mind that the events depicted here is just in One particular region of Bosnia. Here it happenes to be the British-sector in the Travnic, Vitez, Amichi area. Some incidents I know happened (like the burned victims in the cellar) and some are most likely made up, but surely with the intent of realism in mind. Here obviosly the Serbs outnumbered the Muslims and therefor had most of the control. This I mention because after reading two comments here, both from Bosnia oe most likely to be Serb (saying that the depictions in this film are "black and white" portrayed) and one Muslim (Finding the film to be very realistic, having lived through the whole war in Sarajevo.)
Having been in bosnia myself I think I can appreciate this film more. Being shot in Tsjekkia it still looks very much like Bosnia. Although it was wery calm there then (in -99),long after the war was over. The UN had been replaced by the NATO forces(maybe a bit too late). But the work consisted of pretty much the same(except for the extreme tasks given as the result of war off cource) , driving around in our "sizu`s", working with local interpreters and keeping in touch with the local population. The following year I went to Kosovo, a more recent conflict. During that war NATO bombed Serbia in protest of the treatment given to the Albanians in Kosovo. When we arrived(early 2000) the situation had turned to the opposite and it was mostly the Serbs who had to be kept safe of the Albanians, who had started returning to Kosovo.
So I agree that there is no such thing as a "black and white" explanation of the tragedy. There was surely bad deeds made by all "sides", as in every war.
Film rates 10/10!
But one must bare in mind that the events depicted here is just in One particular region of Bosnia. Here it happenes to be the British-sector in the Travnic, Vitez, Amichi area. Some incidents I know happened (like the burned victims in the cellar) and some are most likely made up, but surely with the intent of realism in mind. Here obviosly the Serbs outnumbered the Muslims and therefor had most of the control. This I mention because after reading two comments here, both from Bosnia oe most likely to be Serb (saying that the depictions in this film are "black and white" portrayed) and one Muslim (Finding the film to be very realistic, having lived through the whole war in Sarajevo.)
Having been in bosnia myself I think I can appreciate this film more. Being shot in Tsjekkia it still looks very much like Bosnia. Although it was wery calm there then (in -99),long after the war was over. The UN had been replaced by the NATO forces(maybe a bit too late). But the work consisted of pretty much the same(except for the extreme tasks given as the result of war off cource) , driving around in our "sizu`s", working with local interpreters and keeping in touch with the local population. The following year I went to Kosovo, a more recent conflict. During that war NATO bombed Serbia in protest of the treatment given to the Albanians in Kosovo. When we arrived(early 2000) the situation had turned to the opposite and it was mostly the Serbs who had to be kept safe of the Albanians, who had started returning to Kosovo.
So I agree that there is no such thing as a "black and white" explanation of the tragedy. There was surely bad deeds made by all "sides", as in every war.
Film rates 10/10!
Think a minute!
ken-ji15 November 2000
It's a shame that this movie will be seen only by a minority. A remarkable and authentic documentation of the humanitarian mission of the British UN peace force during the Bosnian war.
You may think, due to its documentary character, the movie is awfully boring. The opposite is the case: Because of the excellent camera work, you get the impression of being a member of the British armoured infantrymen yourself. And while you are patrolling the area in white tanks in order to show UNPROFOR presence, the only thing you are allowed to do by higher orders of the UN command is to observe, unable to help, shield or evacuate the civilians from the atrocities committed by the soldiers and militia of each ethnical fraction. You start feeling as helpless as the British soldiers must have felt in reality. This movie is therefore very disillusioning and depressing.
In my opinion, this is a very powerful movie with the typical BBC documentation style, no Hollywood clichés. It should be seen by many, many more people, especially when you consider that this historic example of ethnic cleansing took place right on our doorstep only a decade ago and nevertheless today is almost forgotten. An impressive account of the tragic role of the UN during a bloody civil war.
Highly recommended! 10/10
You may think, due to its documentary character, the movie is awfully boring. The opposite is the case: Because of the excellent camera work, you get the impression of being a member of the British armoured infantrymen yourself. And while you are patrolling the area in white tanks in order to show UNPROFOR presence, the only thing you are allowed to do by higher orders of the UN command is to observe, unable to help, shield or evacuate the civilians from the atrocities committed by the soldiers and militia of each ethnical fraction. You start feeling as helpless as the British soldiers must have felt in reality. This movie is therefore very disillusioning and depressing.
In my opinion, this is a very powerful movie with the typical BBC documentation style, no Hollywood clichés. It should be seen by many, many more people, especially when you consider that this historic example of ethnic cleansing took place right on our doorstep only a decade ago and nevertheless today is almost forgotten. An impressive account of the tragic role of the UN during a bloody civil war.
Highly recommended! 10/10
One of the best television dramas ever produced....
pcowan13 December 2000
...and the rest of America will realize it if it is ever seen on American television. Where is PBS when you need them most? BBC America has shown this several times, without their usual commercial interruption (which should give some indication of the respect they hold for this drama), but unfortunately not many cable systems offer BBC America. PBS is dropping the ball by not picking this up for the rest of the United States to view. The writing, acting, and production values are all excellent. If only people knew what they were missing.
On film and war!
Fico24 May 2004
I, have to emphasis that, I was not in Bosnia during the wartime. But because we lived in the same state for a long time I can say that I have a good historical overview and a lot of informations from all sides involved in war in Bosnia. On that basis I think the movie is good representation of real event. It is also very good antiwar movie.
I can imagine that Serbs wont like the movie, but they have to face the truth. Sooner they realize the truth better for them and for development of their nation. The fact that all sides did war crimes is not of big help here. The fact is that pictures, like in movie, were the most common, and you have to remember who started the blood spilling and genocide. But remember it is not about people but politics who manipulate with masses. The people are the same everywhere you go; bad and good and mostly inbetween. The role of international community and UNPROFOR in Bosnia was very questionable. They let the killing of innocents before their eyes and did nothing. Even more, the UN people turned into a corrupted band who struggled only for surviving, earning money and promotions. Even on highest levels. Just remember one French general.
But like I said the people are good and bad. So I can imagine that some soldiers had a real problems with facing the unjustice and horror supported from international community.
I saw yesterday on Monte Negro TV a prewar speech from president of Bosnia,
Alija Izetbegovic who said: " Bad negotations are better then a good war." Congratulations to Monte Negro TV for independent standpoint with presentations of former enemies and to mr. Izetbegovic for a clever thought. Too bad they all did not take this idea seriously.
One more. Yesterday at night I saw this movie on Pink TV. Yes, on Serbian TV! The things are changing. Congratulations!!!
With all respect on victims on all sides.
I can imagine that Serbs wont like the movie, but they have to face the truth. Sooner they realize the truth better for them and for development of their nation. The fact that all sides did war crimes is not of big help here. The fact is that pictures, like in movie, were the most common, and you have to remember who started the blood spilling and genocide. But remember it is not about people but politics who manipulate with masses. The people are the same everywhere you go; bad and good and mostly inbetween. The role of international community and UNPROFOR in Bosnia was very questionable. They let the killing of innocents before their eyes and did nothing. Even more, the UN people turned into a corrupted band who struggled only for surviving, earning money and promotions. Even on highest levels. Just remember one French general.
But like I said the people are good and bad. So I can imagine that some soldiers had a real problems with facing the unjustice and horror supported from international community.
I saw yesterday on Monte Negro TV a prewar speech from president of Bosnia,
Alija Izetbegovic who said: " Bad negotations are better then a good war." Congratulations to Monte Negro TV for independent standpoint with presentations of former enemies and to mr. Izetbegovic for a clever thought. Too bad they all did not take this idea seriously.
One more. Yesterday at night I saw this movie on Pink TV. Yes, on Serbian TV! The things are changing. Congratulations!!!
With all respect on victims on all sides.
must see, period.
charger_8219 December 2008
I could give a description of what it feels like to watch this. But I won't, since there are no words fit to describe the utter madness of war depicted here. Go see it and think about it. You might end up hating yourself for being part of this world we created.But if there is a slight chance flicks like these could make a difference......who knows. Deeply impressive. I am Dutch by origin so I may not be able to choose he right words, but I have talked to friends of mine who were there, and according to them, it comes close to how it really was. And it damaged them. I must pay my deepest respect towards the cast and directors,who did one hell of a job. I also recommend Savior. That flick takes the madness one step further, but I was not able to sit that one out 'till the end.
Gritty realism from the best war film ever made.
Yazi18 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
The accurate depiction of the problems faced by the UN forces in this terrible conflict. The good men in this film were hampered by the impossible UN mandate which allowed them to deliver humanitarian aid, but not to directly intervene to prevent the deaths of those they were sent to protect. Gritty realism and excellent acting performances make this one of the most accurate war films ever made. It's direct camera action and lack of comment makes it appear as if it were a documentary and allows the viewer to make up their own mind as to what they saw. Not that there is much latitude for interpretation in many of the scenes - which were all taken from real events. It's particularly good in it's depiction of how the soldiers coped with their experiences on returning to the UK - something I don't recall being done in any other war film.
What is interesting is the profound effect this film has on anyone who sees it. In my case, as an ex British military officer, I was involved in several conflicts including the second major round of the breakup of Yugoslavia - the Kosovo war. That conflict was the only one where I actually felt we were doing something worthwhile. I found myself watching the playback videos of our bombs exploding in Serbia and thinking "Good - the b#######s deserved that!" But this film, which was first shown on BBC at about that time, made me re-examine my feelings. I found that I was disgusted with my attitude because I was essentially no better than those perpetrating the crimes. There is no black and white in any war and this film demonstrates that perfectly. During my officer training, we watched a couple of films to demonstrate various leadership qualities. I just hope this is shown to our latest trainees to demonstrate how difficult the job of a military leader can be.
A couple of reviewers question the authenticity of the film in it's depiction and accuracy. It has been clearly stated by another reviewer that all the events in the film actually happened - and that some of the more extreme incidents were rejected. Also, it doesn't attempt to apportion blame on the Serbs - all sides are equally treated. Serbs are depicted at the first checkpoint, whereas the cars which are used by soldiers ransacking a elderly Muslim's house are flying Croation flags.
There is only one score which this film justifies. Ten!
The accurate depiction of the problems faced by the UN forces in this terrible conflict. The good men in this film were hampered by the impossible UN mandate which allowed them to deliver humanitarian aid, but not to directly intervene to prevent the deaths of those they were sent to protect. Gritty realism and excellent acting performances make this one of the most accurate war films ever made. It's direct camera action and lack of comment makes it appear as if it were a documentary and allows the viewer to make up their own mind as to what they saw. Not that there is much latitude for interpretation in many of the scenes - which were all taken from real events. It's particularly good in it's depiction of how the soldiers coped with their experiences on returning to the UK - something I don't recall being done in any other war film.
What is interesting is the profound effect this film has on anyone who sees it. In my case, as an ex British military officer, I was involved in several conflicts including the second major round of the breakup of Yugoslavia - the Kosovo war. That conflict was the only one where I actually felt we were doing something worthwhile. I found myself watching the playback videos of our bombs exploding in Serbia and thinking "Good - the b#######s deserved that!" But this film, which was first shown on BBC at about that time, made me re-examine my feelings. I found that I was disgusted with my attitude because I was essentially no better than those perpetrating the crimes. There is no black and white in any war and this film demonstrates that perfectly. During my officer training, we watched a couple of films to demonstrate various leadership qualities. I just hope this is shown to our latest trainees to demonstrate how difficult the job of a military leader can be.
A couple of reviewers question the authenticity of the film in it's depiction and accuracy. It has been clearly stated by another reviewer that all the events in the film actually happened - and that some of the more extreme incidents were rejected. Also, it doesn't attempt to apportion blame on the Serbs - all sides are equally treated. Serbs are depicted at the first checkpoint, whereas the cars which are used by soldiers ransacking a elderly Muslim's house are flying Croation flags.
There is only one score which this film justifies. Ten!
Depressing Account of Soldiers Sent Not To Fight
sbox4 April 2000
Warning: Spoilers
[Warning: May Contain Spoilers.]
This film depicts the lives of a few soldiers, both officers and enlisted men into the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
The tale is told from the perspective of British soldiers trained in the art of warfare, yet unfamiliar in the art of diplomatic do-nothing. This is evidenced best in the scene in which a Geneva based technocrat scolds a professional soldier when his column is halted by Serb forces. "Oh yes, you're the British Army, you just want to blast your way through." Of course he's right because that is exactly what they want to do, but they can't. It turns out that their U.N. mandate is to not take sides, simply observe, and help when they can.
However, they can't help people to safety using their vehicles. This would equal ethnic cleansing and is of course beyond their mandate. Simply, they have to leave people to die. To do otherwise would leave the Serbs, Croats, and/or Bosnians to use the U.N. as some sort of bus service to rid regions of certain ethnic groups.
While this may be coldly logical, it is also somewhat mad. And there lies the paradox. By not allowing innocents to escape, these soldiers consign them to death.
The good consciences of the soldiers are not left unaffected. After witnessing so much carnage, they go back to England suffering from P.T.S.D. They are patted on the back for a job well done by a populace uninformed on just how bad the situation is back in the republics formerly known as Yugoslavia.
This movie left me with a feeling of disgust. I was disgusted by the cowardice of the U.N., the imbecility of the government of the United Kingdom for sending warriors to do a job "not suited for a dog," and I was also disgusted by the wanton killing carried out by the Serbs.
Often, film-makers attempt to arouse the emotions of the viewer. This was successfully done here. I had a few problems with the continuity of the film, but I give it a hearty 7 out of 10.
This film depicts the lives of a few soldiers, both officers and enlisted men into the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
The tale is told from the perspective of British soldiers trained in the art of warfare, yet unfamiliar in the art of diplomatic do-nothing. This is evidenced best in the scene in which a Geneva based technocrat scolds a professional soldier when his column is halted by Serb forces. "Oh yes, you're the British Army, you just want to blast your way through." Of course he's right because that is exactly what they want to do, but they can't. It turns out that their U.N. mandate is to not take sides, simply observe, and help when they can.
However, they can't help people to safety using their vehicles. This would equal ethnic cleansing and is of course beyond their mandate. Simply, they have to leave people to die. To do otherwise would leave the Serbs, Croats, and/or Bosnians to use the U.N. as some sort of bus service to rid regions of certain ethnic groups.
While this may be coldly logical, it is also somewhat mad. And there lies the paradox. By not allowing innocents to escape, these soldiers consign them to death.
The good consciences of the soldiers are not left unaffected. After witnessing so much carnage, they go back to England suffering from P.T.S.D. They are patted on the back for a job well done by a populace uninformed on just how bad the situation is back in the republics formerly known as Yugoslavia.
This movie left me with a feeling of disgust. I was disgusted by the cowardice of the U.N., the imbecility of the government of the United Kingdom for sending warriors to do a job "not suited for a dog," and I was also disgusted by the wanton killing carried out by the Serbs.
Often, film-makers attempt to arouse the emotions of the viewer. This was successfully done here. I had a few problems with the continuity of the film, but I give it a hearty 7 out of 10.
The movie is impressive
RufusJWB24 July 2001
I saw this movie yesterday and today, and i registered at IMDB to comment it. It's the first movie about the war in bosnia i have seen so far, and i don't think a movie can be much better. The movie shows us in a very impressive way, why war is bad. And i have to ask my self, how many lives could be saved, if we would have intervened earlier.
Polemical And Inaccurate
Theo Robertson18 August 2004
A company of British soldiers are sent to Bosnia under the auspices of UNPROFOR , the United Nations Protection Force
I`ve looked through this page and have been amazed to see the praise WARRIORS has received . I hated this teleplay down to the highly inaccurate points on screen . Yes Muslims were massacred and murdered in central Bosnia in 1993 as shown here , the only thing is that they weren`t murdered and massacred by Serbs , they were murdered and massacred by Croats ! WARRIORS would have you believe that the only people committing war crimes were Serbs. Did anyone remember Martin Bell`s BBC report from 1993 about the massacre in Amichi where scores of Bosnian Muslims woman and children amongst them were rounded up and burned alive ? It was Croats who were responsible for that atrocity and Croats themselves were the victims of Muslim war crimes in the region . Central Bosnia where the British UNPROFOR were based in Travnik , Gornji Vakuf , and Vitez is a region with very few Serbs with the ethnic composition being almost entirely Croat and Bosnian Muslim . It was the scene of the very bloody ( And now forgotten ) " Muslim - Croat war " of 1992 to 1994 . If you think I`m apologising for the Serbs I`m not , try and track down news reports at the time , go into a libary with a large archive and look through newspaper reports from 1992 to 1994 , read accounts like The Fall Of Yugoslavia by Mish Glenny , talk to British soldiers who were there and you`ll find out little of the crimes ( And they were crimes ) were done by Serbs though they were guilty of terrible crimes elsewhere in the region
This annoyance is not only down to ignoring facts , it`s also down to director Peter Kosminsky trying to set some hidden agenda . When WARRIORS was broadcast Kosminsky was appearing on every current affairs show saying the role of British and Western forces should be used for humanitarian intervention . Britain and America bombed Serbia to stop Serbs murdering Muslims in Kosovo , Britain and America invaded Iraq to overthrow a murderous right wing secular Arab regime that was murdering Muslims in Southern Iraq . I wonder if Kosminsky was for both these interventions ? It should also be remembered Kosminsky made the anti war documentary THE FALKLANDS - THE UNTOLD STORY about a black and white conflict , so for him to make a pro interventionist drama about a deeply complex war is very hypocritical
WARRIORS is only worth watching to see Damien Lewis and Ioan Gruffodd when they were both unknown actors
I`ve looked through this page and have been amazed to see the praise WARRIORS has received . I hated this teleplay down to the highly inaccurate points on screen . Yes Muslims were massacred and murdered in central Bosnia in 1993 as shown here , the only thing is that they weren`t murdered and massacred by Serbs , they were murdered and massacred by Croats ! WARRIORS would have you believe that the only people committing war crimes were Serbs. Did anyone remember Martin Bell`s BBC report from 1993 about the massacre in Amichi where scores of Bosnian Muslims woman and children amongst them were rounded up and burned alive ? It was Croats who were responsible for that atrocity and Croats themselves were the victims of Muslim war crimes in the region . Central Bosnia where the British UNPROFOR were based in Travnik , Gornji Vakuf , and Vitez is a region with very few Serbs with the ethnic composition being almost entirely Croat and Bosnian Muslim . It was the scene of the very bloody ( And now forgotten ) " Muslim - Croat war " of 1992 to 1994 . If you think I`m apologising for the Serbs I`m not , try and track down news reports at the time , go into a libary with a large archive and look through newspaper reports from 1992 to 1994 , read accounts like The Fall Of Yugoslavia by Mish Glenny , talk to British soldiers who were there and you`ll find out little of the crimes ( And they were crimes ) were done by Serbs though they were guilty of terrible crimes elsewhere in the region
This annoyance is not only down to ignoring facts , it`s also down to director Peter Kosminsky trying to set some hidden agenda . When WARRIORS was broadcast Kosminsky was appearing on every current affairs show saying the role of British and Western forces should be used for humanitarian intervention . Britain and America bombed Serbia to stop Serbs murdering Muslims in Kosovo , Britain and America invaded Iraq to overthrow a murderous right wing secular Arab regime that was murdering Muslims in Southern Iraq . I wonder if Kosminsky was for both these interventions ? It should also be remembered Kosminsky made the anti war documentary THE FALKLANDS - THE UNTOLD STORY about a black and white conflict , so for him to make a pro interventionist drama about a deeply complex war is very hypocritical
WARRIORS is only worth watching to see Damien Lewis and Ioan Gruffodd when they were both unknown actors
Brilliant account of inhumanity, bravery and trauma
rhwilton7 November 2004
This film shows the BBC at its best, with great acting, harrowing scenes and touching moments.
I notice that some of the comments suggest that it is anti-Serb. Well, some of the "baddies" are Croat. (The scene with the lorry-load of bodies near the end of the Bosnia scenes is a case in point.)
Perhaps it's pro-Muslim, but I think anyone watching it will realize that it is not a "goodies" and "baddies" film.
Does the film advocate military intervention on a grand scale? No.
Does it show the futility of delivering food parcels to people who are about to be massacred? Yes.
There are no easy answers to the questions asked by this film. You should watch it and remember that this all happened in a "civilized" European country, just a few years ago.
The evil shown is not Serb or Croat or Muslim evil. The evil is hate, that betrays God.
At our church, a visiting priest explained that he would not be visiting again for a few months, because he is an army chaplain and his unit was off to Kosovo. Kosovo is a different fall-out from Yugoslavia, but, having seen this film, I prayed long and hard for him.
Don't miss it and be prepared to be upset.
I notice that some of the comments suggest that it is anti-Serb. Well, some of the "baddies" are Croat. (The scene with the lorry-load of bodies near the end of the Bosnia scenes is a case in point.)
Perhaps it's pro-Muslim, but I think anyone watching it will realize that it is not a "goodies" and "baddies" film.
Does the film advocate military intervention on a grand scale? No.
Does it show the futility of delivering food parcels to people who are about to be massacred? Yes.
There are no easy answers to the questions asked by this film. You should watch it and remember that this all happened in a "civilized" European country, just a few years ago.
The evil shown is not Serb or Croat or Muslim evil. The evil is hate, that betrays God.
At our church, a visiting priest explained that he would not be visiting again for a few months, because he is an army chaplain and his unit was off to Kosovo. Kosovo is a different fall-out from Yugoslavia, but, having seen this film, I prayed long and hard for him.
Don't miss it and be prepared to be upset.
This was by far the best made-for-TV movie I have ever seen!
buiger27 May 2018
This was by far the best made-for-TV movie I have ever seen.
Totally politically (in)correct in its rightful criticism of the rules of engagement of the UN 'peacekeepers' mandate in the Bosnian war, this movie boldly goes on to depict the harsh reality of what the war was really like and what it was about. For somebody who has intimate first-hand knowledge of the happenings, of the people involved and of the land where it transpired, I cannot but be awed by the realism and truthfulness of this film. Everything has been done perfectly, right down to the local actors who are all faithfully who they claim to be, real Bosnians, speaking with their local colloquial accents, not just some second-hand stand-ins summoned from god knows where on the cheap, as is usually the case nowadays. Everything in this movie is outstanding, the Direction, the screenplay, the cinematography, the acting, etc.
A very powerful movie, but definitely not for those squeamish politically correct souls who abound today and who believe that the world is a peaceful, wonderful place where there is no evil and where everybody loves each other. Highly recommended.
Totally politically (in)correct in its rightful criticism of the rules of engagement of the UN 'peacekeepers' mandate in the Bosnian war, this movie boldly goes on to depict the harsh reality of what the war was really like and what it was about. For somebody who has intimate first-hand knowledge of the happenings, of the people involved and of the land where it transpired, I cannot but be awed by the realism and truthfulness of this film. Everything has been done perfectly, right down to the local actors who are all faithfully who they claim to be, real Bosnians, speaking with their local colloquial accents, not just some second-hand stand-ins summoned from god knows where on the cheap, as is usually the case nowadays. Everything in this movie is outstanding, the Direction, the screenplay, the cinematography, the acting, etc.
A very powerful movie, but definitely not for those squeamish politically correct souls who abound today and who believe that the world is a peaceful, wonderful place where there is no evil and where everybody loves each other. Highly recommended.
Gritty and realistic, it will make you think long after you've watched it.
mooi23 November 1999
A movie shot like a documentary that helped made it feel very gritty and realistic.
It examines the questions of how does being exposed to carnage, death and misery change a person, and how does that person cope afterwards? Though our soldiers are equipped to kill, they are still ordinary humans like the rest of us.
How can we expect them not to be affected by the things they see and have to do in the line of duty? And can they assimilate back into civilised society after?
This movie will make you think.
It examines the questions of how does being exposed to carnage, death and misery change a person, and how does that person cope afterwards? Though our soldiers are equipped to kill, they are still ordinary humans like the rest of us.
How can we expect them not to be affected by the things they see and have to do in the line of duty? And can they assimilate back into civilised society after?
This movie will make you think.
Brilliant
lindsay.robinson15 May 2000
Warriors has to be one of the best dramas I have seen in a long time. The subject matter - the UN Peacekeepers in Bosnia - admittedly makes Warriors difficult, even painful to watch in places but the story is told with such sensitivity as to make it bearable.
Every single one of the actors and actresses involved should be praised but Ioan Gruffudd in particular gives a wrenching performance as Lt. John Feeley.
Warriors made me think, as I never had before, about the gargantuan task these soldiers were set as strictly non-combatants in an environment where terrible atrocities were being committed. Their frustration at being helpless bystanders is perfectly conveyed and also the mental toll which it took on them.
The thing I loved above all about this film was that it never preaches to the viewer. You are shown what happened and left to draw your own conclusions about the events portrayed; conclusions or messages are not foisted upon you.
Warriors is highly recommended but not to be undertaken lightly.
Every single one of the actors and actresses involved should be praised but Ioan Gruffudd in particular gives a wrenching performance as Lt. John Feeley.
Warriors made me think, as I never had before, about the gargantuan task these soldiers were set as strictly non-combatants in an environment where terrible atrocities were being committed. Their frustration at being helpless bystanders is perfectly conveyed and also the mental toll which it took on them.
The thing I loved above all about this film was that it never preaches to the viewer. You are shown what happened and left to draw your own conclusions about the events portrayed; conclusions or messages are not foisted upon you.
Warriors is highly recommended but not to be undertaken lightly.
Gutwrenching
andrew-eckford28 September 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this when it was first screened in Australia (over a couple of nights) and remember how starkly it contrasted with heroics in most views of warfare. Here are a group of British soldiers put in the impossible situation of 'peacekeeping' without being able to engage an enemy.
The bulk of the story follows the day-to-day life of a mechanised UN patrol as they patrol former Yugoslavia, a little over a decade ago, and looks at both the 'soldiering' and the little vignettes of interaction, from a chat over a cigarette to daily staff briefings. Combined with a somewhat documentary-style direction, the overall feel is more like a news crew travelled with the unit and cut together a bit of everything that happened.
I love the Brits acting in this; there is a gritty realism and subtlety from the lead soldiers as they become increasingly frustrated that they can only watch terrible acts of ethnic cleansing and human cruelty, without being allowed to intervene.
One of the most interesting parts of this piece is that it doesn't cut at the moment of relief, when the soldiers leave to fly into the sunset and return home. A significant amount of time looks at how they handle day-to-day life upon returning. No fanfare, no pride in a job well done, but a constant feeling of detachment from daily life and being unable to return to the 'normal' - how do you worry about which type of coffee to buy when you saw children being burned out of their homes?
There are some brilliantly chilling scenes from the Lieutenants at the end as guilt and anger surface months down the track. I must have watched this 5 years ago, and can still picture the last moments with Ioan Gruffudd - there is so much said without a word of dialogue.
Definitely worth watching - this highlights some of the emotions that don't get felt in the big war blockbusters, where the heroes can feel good about serving a cause.
I only wish I had watched it with someone else at the time - there were so many personal ethics questions I had prickling as the credits rolled up.
The bulk of the story follows the day-to-day life of a mechanised UN patrol as they patrol former Yugoslavia, a little over a decade ago, and looks at both the 'soldiering' and the little vignettes of interaction, from a chat over a cigarette to daily staff briefings. Combined with a somewhat documentary-style direction, the overall feel is more like a news crew travelled with the unit and cut together a bit of everything that happened.
I love the Brits acting in this; there is a gritty realism and subtlety from the lead soldiers as they become increasingly frustrated that they can only watch terrible acts of ethnic cleansing and human cruelty, without being allowed to intervene.
One of the most interesting parts of this piece is that it doesn't cut at the moment of relief, when the soldiers leave to fly into the sunset and return home. A significant amount of time looks at how they handle day-to-day life upon returning. No fanfare, no pride in a job well done, but a constant feeling of detachment from daily life and being unable to return to the 'normal' - how do you worry about which type of coffee to buy when you saw children being burned out of their homes?
There are some brilliantly chilling scenes from the Lieutenants at the end as guilt and anger surface months down the track. I must have watched this 5 years ago, and can still picture the last moments with Ioan Gruffudd - there is so much said without a word of dialogue.
Definitely worth watching - this highlights some of the emotions that don't get felt in the big war blockbusters, where the heroes can feel good about serving a cause.
I only wish I had watched it with someone else at the time - there were so many personal ethics questions I had prickling as the credits rolled up.
This is a film to see.
JCMB28 January 2001
This is an excellent film and is as realistic as described. I would suggest that Americans do what they can to get this brought to PBS in something like a "Masterpiece Theatre." At this point, the film is only being shown on BBC America, which has too small a viewer base to earn this film the acclaim it well deserves.
A deeply moving film
msweet7141 February 2006
Warriors is one of the few movies that deal with the horrors of the 1990s war in what was once Yugoslavia. The film helped me sort out the politics and ethnic nuances that led to the conflict and gave us a glimpse into the lives of everyday people caught up in the storm of events. I was impressed by the realistic depiction of life in the British military and the personal challenges faced by the troops. The performances are compelling -- particularly that of Ioan Gruffudd, who really shines in one of his best roles -- and the story line is shattering. I highly recommend this film, and hope that it is picked up and shown on PBS in America. It can occasionally be seen on BBC America, although the commercial interruptions are unwelcome.
War... what is it good for?
Starbuck-1330 October 2000
Moving. Shocking. Sad. Extremely well executed.
The characters show a lot of "true" emotions and the tragic of individual stories is only topped by the terrible overall picture.
This is a splendid anti war movie which deserves any possible recommendation, even though the final sequence (after the war) tended to stress credibility...
The characters show a lot of "true" emotions and the tragic of individual stories is only topped by the terrible overall picture.
This is a splendid anti war movie which deserves any possible recommendation, even though the final sequence (after the war) tended to stress credibility...
Warriors - great drama
paulpickering_1815 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This film dramatisation tells a story about the lives of some British soldiers serving on a United Nations "peace-keeping" mission at the time of the dissolution of Yugoslavia.
The tale is told from the perspective of British army officers and enlisted men who are well trained in the art of warfare, but are unfamiliar with, and frustrated by their "observer" role in the troubled region. The British soldiers are are forced to stand by and witness the murder of innocents at the hands of Serb and Croat militias while they themselves are constantly intimidated by these armed gangs who exploit the weakness and inertia of the United Nations to bully and hamper the British peace-keeping mission at every turn.
This film leaves the viewer with a feeling of total disgust at the weakness of the United Nations and the British government for sending troops as peace-keeping observers who are forbidden to "shoot back" unless they consider their own lives are at risk. The Serb and Croat militias who are only too aware of the United Nations mandate, for the most part, only target and murder the innocent "ethnic minority" civilian population, thereby perpetuating the carnage.
The good consciences of the soldiers are not left unaffected. After witnessing so much horror, they return to England suffering with severe emotional problems and post traumatic stress disorders. The soldiers' plight is compounded further by an unsympathetic British government and a public who have no concept of how bad the situation is, back in the former Yugoslav republic. The men are welcomed back as if they had just returned from a standard "tour of duty" abroad. They are patted on the back for a "job well done" and expected to simply integrate back into normal home life - with dire consequences for some of these men.
This is a remarkable British film which has been shot in typical BBC documentary style. It is a sad and sobering thought that these horrific atrocities were committed within a supposedly, "civilized" European country, by Europeans, at the end of the twentieth century.
Superb film-marking - very powerful, harrowing and thought-provoking.
The tale is told from the perspective of British army officers and enlisted men who are well trained in the art of warfare, but are unfamiliar with, and frustrated by their "observer" role in the troubled region. The British soldiers are are forced to stand by and witness the murder of innocents at the hands of Serb and Croat militias while they themselves are constantly intimidated by these armed gangs who exploit the weakness and inertia of the United Nations to bully and hamper the British peace-keeping mission at every turn.
This film leaves the viewer with a feeling of total disgust at the weakness of the United Nations and the British government for sending troops as peace-keeping observers who are forbidden to "shoot back" unless they consider their own lives are at risk. The Serb and Croat militias who are only too aware of the United Nations mandate, for the most part, only target and murder the innocent "ethnic minority" civilian population, thereby perpetuating the carnage.
The good consciences of the soldiers are not left unaffected. After witnessing so much horror, they return to England suffering with severe emotional problems and post traumatic stress disorders. The soldiers' plight is compounded further by an unsympathetic British government and a public who have no concept of how bad the situation is, back in the former Yugoslav republic. The men are welcomed back as if they had just returned from a standard "tour of duty" abroad. They are patted on the back for a "job well done" and expected to simply integrate back into normal home life - with dire consequences for some of these men.
This is a remarkable British film which has been shot in typical BBC documentary style. It is a sad and sobering thought that these horrific atrocities were committed within a supposedly, "civilized" European country, by Europeans, at the end of the twentieth century.
Superb film-marking - very powerful, harrowing and thought-provoking.
Painful, wrenching, stark and excellent
NEFARlOUS5 July 2001
Warriors is an excellent film concerning what we in the west would call the early stages of the ethnic cleansing....hold on, this sounds far too nice a term to describe what went on, let's be more accurate - Genocide - in the former Yugoslavia.
Specifically it deals with a British detachment of observers whose sole function seems to be to convince the British people that "things were being taken care of."
In reality, the Serb army and particularly the Serb paramilitaries were stepping up their campaign of murder - regardless of gender or age - which was to continue for another few years. The British government knew about it, the American government knew about it as did others but nobody wished to become involved in something that quite definately would not be a quick or easy campaign, especially considering that the people being massacred had no oil reserves.
And so the soldiers assigned to this pointless duty had no mandate to help those being murdered, and were left in a position of seeing the aftermath of men, women and children dead in the street or burnt to death in their homes, or simply gone. In some cases they knew who had done these things but could do nothing about it. After a while, they rotated home and - big suprise - could'nt forget the things they had seen.
One wonders if NATO had had the collective balls to attack the Serbian military at the time, how many lives would have been spared?
It's a start that Milosovic is in custody, but the others need to be caught and tried, Miladic and Karadzic for a start, but the many, many hundreds that participated in this horrific deliberate revolting genocide.
It really sickens me to know that there will be those that escape retribution completely, as well as there are many Serbians who vehemently refuse to believe what happened.
Specifically it deals with a British detachment of observers whose sole function seems to be to convince the British people that "things were being taken care of."
In reality, the Serb army and particularly the Serb paramilitaries were stepping up their campaign of murder - regardless of gender or age - which was to continue for another few years. The British government knew about it, the American government knew about it as did others but nobody wished to become involved in something that quite definately would not be a quick or easy campaign, especially considering that the people being massacred had no oil reserves.
And so the soldiers assigned to this pointless duty had no mandate to help those being murdered, and were left in a position of seeing the aftermath of men, women and children dead in the street or burnt to death in their homes, or simply gone. In some cases they knew who had done these things but could do nothing about it. After a while, they rotated home and - big suprise - could'nt forget the things they had seen.
One wonders if NATO had had the collective balls to attack the Serbian military at the time, how many lives would have been spared?
It's a start that Milosovic is in custody, but the others need to be caught and tried, Miladic and Karadzic for a start, but the many, many hundreds that participated in this horrific deliberate revolting genocide.
It really sickens me to know that there will be those that escape retribution completely, as well as there are many Serbians who vehemently refuse to believe what happened.
Disturbing bur masterpiece.
balimatorislon-5621318 May 2018
I have purchased the DVD many and many years after the Series went out. Honestly one of most realistic movies on the Bosnian conflict I have ever seen and it hit me like a rocket. I praise a lot the acting of Matthew Macfadyen (immense scene when he wants the Croatian warlord to suck his____) and an amazing Sheila Shehovich that I realised she used to be an interpreter in Bosnia during the war! What really hit me is to see how these British soldiers suffered of PSD after coming back from Bosnia. I believe that this would have been a tremendous situation, watching people being killed and slaughtered, without being able to intervene. Probably the worst ever situation that a peacekeeping force was caught in in hystory. I will keep this DVD on the sale and maybe one day I will watch it with my daughter. I already told my wife, who is in Belgrade at the moment, that I will not allow her to watch this one at all. I know she is so sensitive about the war years, being her from the "worst" category ever that could have been during those mad years: the beautiful fruit of a pure Yugoslav socialist dream, with a Bosnian father and and a Serbian mother that loved each-other so much against all odds and survived the war fending off external forces that wanted to break off their marriage. Za Mir.
movie to remember
rococod-208-9356979 November 2011
Very real and well acted drama. I have never fully understood Bosnian war and UN peacekeepers role until I watched this movie. It really shows how hopeless and inhumane were those times. It is movie to remember for me. I give it a 10 out of 10 since acting is excellent and scenes are real and it has very strong message as an anti war movie. I am very glad I watched this excellent movie. I would recommend this to anyone that wants to learn more about what war is like, what "ethnic cleansing" is like or what went on just 15 years ago in very central part of Europe. Shocking what humans can do to each other, hope that Bosnian country never experience any war again.
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