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Among Wolves
By Renee Longstreet,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Docu follows Bosnian vets' efforts to heal village; cursing.
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Among Wolves
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What's the Story?
"What do you do when a war is over?" is the question documentary filmmaker Shawn Convey asks in AMONG WOLVES. For Branko "Lija" Lijovic and others who've survived the Bosnian War, the answer is to try to heal their village and find purpose in helping others. Wolves Moto Club, made up of veterans like Lija and younger men who need purpose in their lives, has all the trappings of a "bike gang": the motorcycles, the leather jackets, an occasional raucous party. But in Livno, where years after a devastating war people are still hungry, jobs are scarce, and the young are leaving, the Wolves serve as guardians of precious resources and stewards of the community. They keep an orphanage in good repair, give blood, rebuild structures, and tend to a herd of horses who run wild on land that was once a minefield. Convey's camera follows the men as they go about their work, and his mic captures their songs and their laughter, thoughts, and memories.
Is It Any Good?
This deliberately measured documentary, without embellishment, narration, or heightened conflict, tells a simple story with insightful views about healing, renewed purpose, and hope. In Among Wolves, the men of the Moto Club have found a way to cope with the aftermath of a war in their homeland. A devastating loss of life and ongoing poverty are the fruits of the Bosnian War, a bitter conflict, both territorial and religious in scope. The club's leader, Lija, holds the men to high standards, worthy of such a regiment of committed "soldiers." Viewers will visit old battle sites, artillery and transport locations, the town, and the countryside -- all while in the company of the men who have assumed charge for care of the surviving populations.
It's interesting to note that with the exception of a very few scenes that briefly look at the personal lives of two of the men, it's all about the Wolves, the relationships within that club, and their shared "warrior" history. Some may find it tedious -- lots of lengthy driving sequences and time taken for extended menial tasks -- while others will appreciate the intimacy of the moments, the beauty of the wild horses, and the integrity of the men who populate the film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how movies set in other countries and/or time periods enrich our understanding of the world. Forgoing battle scenes and historical lessons, how did Among Wolves tell the story of the Bosnian War? Were you familiar with that war? Where would you go to find out more about it?
How does this film illustrate the notion that by helping others we help ourselves? Is there an answer to Lija's question, "What else should we be doing if not charity work?"
The purposes of documentary filmmaking are to entertain, inform, persuade, and/or inspire. Which category (or categories) best defines Among Wolves?
How does the movie emphasize such character strengths as teamwork, compassion, and perseverance?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 12, 2019
- Cast: Branko Lijovic
- Director: Shawn Convey
- Studio: MVD Entertainment Group
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Friendship , History
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 94 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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