Film Review: ''Savior''

A WAR that reeks of utter hatred and intense cruelty has been poignantly captured in Oliver Stone Production ``Savior''. Should such brutality and animus be so blatantly shown, is what one initially thinks. Till of course, you realise that it is only when such gore hits you in the face, the ruthlessness and futility of war make a strong impact. This war film is surely anti-war in concept, theme and presentation.

Joshua's (Dennis Quaid) is a small, happy family. But his world of bliss is shattered in a flash when his wife and son are killed in an explosion caused by Muslim fundamentalists.

Benumbed by the loss at first, Joshua takes revenge soon after. But he is bereft of any humane feeling now and becomes an American mercenary who fights for the Serbians in the Bosnian war. At this juncture life thrusts the disgraced Muslim woman Vera and her babe on him. How he gives his all to save the two people who evoke feelings of love and affection in him once again, is what the rest of `Savior' shows.

The first American film to be shot completely in Serbia after the Bosnian War, the scenic beauty of the places so aesthetically brought out on screen, is a treat for Nature lovers. The director of photography is Ian Wilson.

The music of David Robbins, so soothing on the ear, enhances the visual appeal of many a scene. It could be Yugoslavian, it could be American, but the result is that it leaves the listener enraptured.

The director, Peter Antonijevic, projects a graphic picture of the atrocities of war. And if it makes you squirm, it also makes you think.

Commendable portrayals by Dennis Quaid, and Natasa Ninkovic as Vera, add to the empathetic appeal. Scenes like the one where Joshua sobs with relief when he finds the baby girl showing signs of life after the enemies move away make an indelible impression.

``Savior'' is bound to haunt you long after you leave the cinema hall and the effect would be even more when you know that the story by Robert Orr is based on incidents that really happened.

M. R.

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Section  : Entertainment
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