Bitka na Neretvi
(The Battle of Neretva)
(La Battaglia della Neretva)
(Die Schlacht an der Neretva)

Yugoslavia / US / Italy / W. Germany (1969): Drama/War

This sprawling epic is a tribute to the Yugoslav partisan fighters of World War II. Yul Brynner stars as a guerilla leader whose mission in life is to eradicate all Nazis from his homeland (recently revealed instances of Yugoslav collaboration are dispensed with in this uncomplicated actioner). Hardy Kruger costars as Brynner's principle German antagonist. Originally released at 175 minutes, this $12 million spectacular was ruthlessly whittled down to 102 minutes by its American distributors. The resultant film looks like a series of outtakes in search of a story, but the action scenes more than compensate for the overall incoherence. Co-written and directed by Veljko Bulajic. Cast also features Anthony Dawson, Milena Dravic, Curd Jürgens, Sylva Doscina and Franco Nero. (American-International, US distributor) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)

· Foreign Language Film Award 1969: (Yugoslavia) (Steve Previn, producer.)

1 nomination