Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Young girl faces violence and horror during the Holocaust.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dara of Jasenovac
What's the Story?
During World War II, Dara Ilić (Biljana Čekić), a 10-year-old Serbian girl, her mother, and two brothers are detained at a Croatian concentration camp known as Jasenovac. Her father is sent to a camp designated for men. Dara witnesses violence and endures the hate expressed toward her by camp officials. With words of encouragement from her mother and other prisoners, Dara is determined to find a way to freedom.
Is It Any Good?
Serbian movie director Predrag Peter Antonijević delivers a moving and often violent view of a Croatian concentration camp during World War II. As the young prisoner in Dara of Jasenovac, Čekić is convincing as a child exposed to the camp's crimes against humanity. She also embraces the unexpected role of caring for a younger brother, assuring him that "no one can separate us." Now 80 years later, this first-ever feature about the history of the Jasenovac camp may prove to be an essential educational and teaching tool for further discussions about the Holocaust.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Dara at the concentration camp. How does she also demonstrate compassion and perseverance?
Why does Dara believe it's important not to become separated from her younger brother? How significant can a bond be between siblings?
How does encouragement from Dara's mother inspire her daughter? Why does Dara's father feel it's necessary to reunite with his family?
What could be the director's justification for depicting the brutal violence by soldiers against prisoners? How may such scenes impact a viewer?
What is the link between the phrase "Never Forget" and the Holocaust? What is International Holocaust Remembrance Day and its significance?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 5, 2021
- Cast : Biljana Čekić , Zlatan Vidović , Anja Stanić Ilić
- Director : Predrag Peter Antonijević
- Studio : 101 Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 130 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong and disturbing violent content, and some sexual content
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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