Even after the screen turned black, I could not get some brutal images out of my head. Throughout the whole time, I was cringing every second to the extent that my body actually hurt in the end. It was painful not because it was a terrible movie, but because it was so powerful in many different ways. The actress was absolutely flawless in conveying the emotion and maintaining the tension throughout, and the director did a wonderful job putting it together through unique editing technique that involved segmented scenes, shots focusing on facial expressions, and few dialogues. Moreover, this movie intentionally leaves some of the controversial issues regarding concentration camps ambiguous, providing a room for the audience to contemplate on them and form their own opinions.
One of the major moral controversies arising regarding the concentration camps is the matter of survival sex. The main character, Samira, is sexually violated in the concentration camp by Serbian soldiers. After experiencing and observing repeated incidents, she decides to not succumb to this cycle. She goes to meet the captain and engages in a sexual relationship with him in order to survive through the camp. There are two perspectives in viewing her action: using sex for survival or regaining her identity as a woman. If one views her action as an example of survival sex, it becomes morally questionable. If she was a perfect victim previously, she now chooses not to be one, thus using her sexuality for survival. The movie conveys both sides through the fellow victims talking behind her. Some support her actions, but others criticize her. By showing both sides, the movie deliberately chooses not to make a decision, allowing the audience to continue on with the conversation.
The most emotionally poignant scene personally is the later part of the movie when she realizes that she is pregnant. This part actualizes the concept that the camp never leaves the victims. Imagine having to raise the perpetrator's baby. The complex emotions she must have felt are well delivered through her facial expressions, flashbacks, and her conflicting actions. The peak is when Samira bursts into tears, which contrasts to the straight face she has kept throughout the entire camp experience. Choosing that as the last scene of the play was also a smart choice, as it had a powerful impact on the audience.
One of the major moral controversies arising regarding the concentration camps is the matter of survival sex. The main character, Samira, is sexually violated in the concentration camp by Serbian soldiers. After experiencing and observing repeated incidents, she decides to not succumb to this cycle. She goes to meet the captain and engages in a sexual relationship with him in order to survive through the camp. There are two perspectives in viewing her action: using sex for survival or regaining her identity as a woman. If one views her action as an example of survival sex, it becomes morally questionable. If she was a perfect victim previously, she now chooses not to be one, thus using her sexuality for survival. The movie conveys both sides through the fellow victims talking behind her. Some support her actions, but others criticize her. By showing both sides, the movie deliberately chooses not to make a decision, allowing the audience to continue on with the conversation.
The most emotionally poignant scene personally is the later part of the movie when she realizes that she is pregnant. This part actualizes the concept that the camp never leaves the victims. Imagine having to raise the perpetrator's baby. The complex emotions she must have felt are well delivered through her facial expressions, flashbacks, and her conflicting actions. The peak is when Samira bursts into tears, which contrasts to the straight face she has kept throughout the entire camp experience. Choosing that as the last scene of the play was also a smart choice, as it had a powerful impact on the audience.