A man returns to his war-torn hometown to confront family history and political upheaval.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Return to Roots
The protagonist arrives in Herzegovina after years abroad, re-entering a region shaped by post-Yugoslav dissolution. Initial family reunions reveal lingering emotional distance and unspoken history.
Key Events
Post-Yugoslavia Dissolution — Political backdrop of early 1990s regional instability established. Location: Herzegovina
Herzegovina Setting — Geographic and temporal context for the narrative. Location: Herzegovina
Protagonist Returns Home — Man arrives after many years abroad, initiating the story. Location: Hometown
Years Abroad Context — Background of long absence and life overseas revealed. Location: Hometown
Family Reunion — Initial meetings with relatives after prolonged separation. Location: Family Home
Years Abroad Context — Flashback elements detailing departure and life overseas. Location: Hometown
Unearthing the Past
Old family grievances surface as the protagonist navigates current relationships. Conversations and confrontations expose how historical trauma continues to influence personal dynamics.
Key Events
Family Reunion — Initial meetings with relatives after prolonged separation. Location: Family Home
Past Grievances Surface — Old wounds and unresolved family issues are confronted. Location: Family Home
Current Family Dynamics — Navigating present relationships and shifting roles. Location: Hometown
Political Tensions Rise — Regional instability directly impacts daily life and decisions. Location: Town Square
Regional Instability — Political climate shifts affecting local community. Location: Herzegovina
Political & Personal Storm
Regional political tensions escalate, directly impacting the protagonist's daily life and family stability. The intersection of public instability and private conflict reaches a critical peak.
Key Events
Political Tensions Rise — Regional instability directly impacts daily life and decisions. Location: Town Square
Confronting Historical Trauma — Personal past becomes intertwined with regional history. Location: Hometown
Navigating Local Politics — Interactions with political figures highlight regional pressures. Location: Local Office
Family Bonds Tested — External political stress strains internal family ties. Location: Family Home
Reckoning & Resolution
The protagonist faces a personal climax, confronting both historical weight and present realities. Emotional acceptance leads to family reconciliation and a quiet, reflective conclusion.
Key Events
Climax of Personal Reckoning — Protagonist faces ultimate personal choice amid chaos. Location: Hometown
Acceptance of Past — Emotional resolution of internal conflict and historical weight. Location: Hometown
Resolution of Family Ties — Reconciliation or understanding achieved with relatives. Location: Family Home
Political Backdrop Clarified — Regional situation contextualizes the personal journey. Location: Herzegovina
Protagonist's New Perspective — Shift in worldview after confronting past and present. Location: Hometown
Final Family Gathering — Closing scene emphasizing familial bonds and closure. Location: Family Home
Closing Reflection — Film concludes with thematic resonance and quiet resolution. Location: Hometown
Story Breakdown
Post-Yugoslav Context — Establishes the historical and political landscape of early 1990s Herzegovina.
Dissolution Aftermath — Regional instability and shifting borders
Herzegovina Setting — Geographic and cultural backdrop
Protagonist's Return — The inciting event that triggers the narrative journey.
Years Abroad Context — Background of prolonged absence
Arrival in Hometown — Physical and emotional re-entry
Family Dynamics — Interpersonal relationships tested by time and history.
Reunion Tensions — Initial meetings and unspoken history
Past Grievances — Old wounds resurfacing
Political Backdrop — External forces influencing personal decisions.
Rising Tensions — Regional instability impacts daily life
Local Politics — Interactions with regional figures
Internal Conflict — The protagonist's psychological and emotional journey.
Historical Trauma — Personal past linked to regional history
Personal Reckoning — Climactic confrontation with self
Resolution Arc — The path toward emotional closure and understanding.
Acceptance — Emotional resolution of internal conflict
Family Reconciliation — Restoration of bonds and perspective
Bosnia and Herzegovina, 1991. After the fall of the communists, Divko Buntić, who has lived in exile in Germany for the past twenty years, returns to the village where he grew up, intent on reclaiming ownership of his family home, driving a swanky Mercedes and accompanied by his young bride; by Bonny, his lucky black cat; and with pockets full of money.
