Angelina Jolie's Shockingly Ambitious Film Gaining Attention

It's still too early to tell how In The Land Of Blood And Honey, penned and directed by Angelina Jolie, will be embraced by audiences. (The film is currently in limited release theatrically.) Although the reviews have been mixed thus far, there's no denying that the film is certainly receiving attention. [It's a Golden Globe® nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.]

For her directorial debut, Angelina Jolie could've chosen much easier fare than a romance that takes place during the Bosnian War of the 1990s. It appears that Jolie, approached the film passionately, smartly, and respectfully. Increasingly known for her humanitarian efforts, she should be commended for bringing awareness to a long-forgotten conflict (and for being so ambitious of a filmmaker to attempt such a feat.) Clearly, getting the film out there means a lot to her.

Many may find it difficult to watch the atrocities portrayed on film, but film as an art form is best when it has something to say-- especially when it's shocking or provoking. Filmmakers often makes statements about the plights of their characters and the world we live in. Sometimes they do this so subtly audiences are unaware of it. Not in this case: According to current reviews of the film, Jolie does so boldly and without apology.

Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter wrote that: "Jolie deserves significant credit for creating such a powerfully oppressive atmosphere and staging the ghastly events so credibly, even if it is these very strengths that will make people not want to watch what's onscreen."

About The Film
Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War in the 1990s, In the Land of Blood and Honey tells the story of two Bosnians from different sides of a brutal ethnic conflict. At its core, the film portrays the incredible emotional, moral and physical toll that the war takes on individuals as well as the consequences that stem from the lack of political will to intervene in a society stricken with conflict.

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Angelina Jolie appeared in an online Q&A on Thursday, January 12th to discuss her writing & directorial debut, In The Land Of Blood And Honey. This blog hosted that Q&A Live. I've since removed it from this post, but you can view the original footage at: www.livestream.com/partnershub