Valter (2012) User Reviews

What is "hero"? Valter, for instance, we loved him. Them. Both. Didn't we?

[misko-stanisic · 7/10 · 21 November 2012]

Serbian documentary "Valter" is a story about myths and our need for myths. It raise questions about what is heroism and who are the (real) heroes? It is a portrait of legendary Yugoslav war hero Vladimir Peric Valter, partisan and communist, mostly known as a leader of the underground resistance in Sarajevo during the last years of WWII, where he was killed on the day of Sarajevo's liberation, April 6, 1945.

But also, it is a portrait of Velimir Bata Zivojinovic, legendary Yugoslav actor who made more then 330 movies (??!) during his 55 years-long career (??!). One of the most popular roles he ever played was a role of Valter in a block-buster: "Valter defends Sarajevo" in 1972. The movie was very popular in Yugoslavia, but also in Eastern Europe, and in Asia, especially in China. At one point in 1970's, this movie was probably seen by more people than any other movie in history (!!) - thanks to the extreme popularity of the movie in China.

But who was a hero? The guy in the movies? The actor? Or the "real" Valter about whom we don't know that much, actually, except for the movie, which we know is just an easy entertaining and communist-propaganda kill-one-hundred-Nazis-in-2-minutes-action show?

However, we loved him. Them. Both. Didn't we? We still do, actually. We love Valter, the hero, for sure.

Вратиће се Валтер !

[nikola_pudar · 5/10 · 5 November 2012]

Walter defends Sarajevo is mediocre Yugoslav partisan and communist propaganda film , glorifying antifascist struggle. There were many similar films in 70s in Yugoslavia. But it unexpectedly gained cult status due to its popularity in China and due to disintegration of Yugoslavia. Movie was made in honor of Vladimir Peric(the real Walter) communist hero, undercover agent who died in final days of liberation of Sarajevo and Yugoslavia.

This documentary "Valter" deals with several aspects of this cult movie status and myth status that Valter gained. Vladimir Peric is partisan agent, who died young, and he was strong ethical character, so he was type of person suitable for myth making.

There is some strange megalomania from people of Prijepolje on their hero, especially curator of Prijepolje museum. I understand Valter is legend, but some things are just too much. This film main city is Sarajevo, and i think that they should get more interlocutors from Sarajevo( not only biased Kusturica) so they couldn't show complete picture of Sarajevo.

Many members of younger generations, born in newly formed ex Yugoslav countries will not understand the popularity of Walter, and will not completely understand him. This is mainly an film for those who remember old Yugoslavia, and to get back to their memory "good old times" of comfort and political stability, and times of "brotherhood and unity" without hatred.

Film is not for those who don't believe in heroism, and maybe for those anti-Yugoslav nationalists in former Yugoslav countries.

Interesting part is uncovering Valter's popularity in China.

Also "Valter" is homage to bard of theater Velimir Bata Zivojinovic who is struggling with illness now days( and to lesser extent to film makers Lebovic and Krvavac).

The story is enjoyable, but far from great.