The Battle of Sutjeska

1943, the mountains of Bosnia. The Partisan units under Tito's command are encircled by Axis forces far larger and better equipped. The wounded, the sick and civilians are inside the same ring. The only way is to break the encirclement and look for a way out towards the Sutjeska. Stipe Delić's film was made for the thirtieth anniversary of the battle and is counted the most expensive production in Yugoslav cinema; the army itself was used in the shooting. Richard Burton plays Tito. It is part of the official state narrative and never leaves the heroic frame, which is worth knowing while watching. The Battle of the Sutjeska itself is a documented event and ended in heavy losses. The film was sent as Yugoslavia's Oscar submission in 1973 but did not receive a nomination.