Kralj Petar I (2018) - full transcript
King Petar The First, as a young man is banished from Serbia Many years later, he returns to his country to liberate its people and secure parliamentary democracy and starts the reconstruction of Serbia.
KING PETAR I
You probably expected a man
that's better and more handsome
than any of the previous kings.
A man to astound everyone,
win everyone over,
and meet every expectation.
You have before you
but a humble old man.
I have come to tell you
that I am willing to accept
the throne of Serbia granted
me by God and by the people.
I promise to put all
my interests aside
and that my only concern shall
always be the Serbian people.
I shall warrant with my life
the freedom and the rights
of the people I will lead.
On June 24, 1914
king Petar I
abdicated in favor of
his son Aleksandar.
Franz Ferdinand - heir to
the Austro-Hungarian throne
was assassinated in
Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.
Austria-Hungary
blamed Serbia for it.
On July 23, 1914 it presented
the Serbian government
with a list of demands that no
independent state could accept.
These events led to the Great
War, the bloodiest war ever.
July 24th 1914
WAR IS INEVITABLE
IT'S ALL OVER
RELATIONS BETWEEN SERBIA
AND AUSTRIA-HUNGARY SEVERED!
All who are not part
of the High Command, leave the room.
Key Makeup artist Dušica Vuksanović
Visual Effects Ivan Èolić
We hoped that
the diplomatic efforts
of the Russian Ambassador
would give results.
-But now...
-We have no choice but to fight and die.
The mobilization plans
drawn by Mr. Putnik
should come into
effect as of tonight.
Our farmer-soldiers have barely
taken their uniforms off.
I suggest we also call
his majesty King Petar.
I think we need his
wisdom at this moment.
Good... This is fine.
Arthritis is an
autoimmune disease.
Your body, for some reason,
produces antibodies.
They attack your cartilage,
even though it's healthy.
The organism is practically
attacking itself.
Do not skip your warm,
relaxing baths,
even when you seem
to be alright.
"Their horrible request
has no precedent!
Now all hopes lie with Russia
and its promise of
a diplomatic mediation.
You are needed, Petar.
By Pašić, the High Command
and by your son Aleksandar."
Now I'm needed...
Are you writing?
My advice is for the government
to accept their requests.
What now looks
like a weakness,
will be seen as
diplomacy in future.
What seems punishment now,
will spare us from greater
destruction tomorrow.
And what looks like spite today
will be sheer
stupidity tomorrow.
My son, regent Aleksandar will
surely make the right decision.
Protect yourself from the cold!
Is that clear?
Right.
-And don't go hungry.
-Right, mother.
Come on, Marinko!
We're all waiting!
Remember what I'm
about to tell you now.
Else you'll end up
like your late father.
When there's a charge, don't
be the first, nor the last.
Don't worry, I'll be
back before winter comes.
My dear son...
-War scatters people at its own will.
-I'll write.
Marinko we're waiting!
They're calling me.
Farewell.
Marinko, the war will end
by the time you get ready!
Hello brothers!
Are you all right?
Let's go!
Mother!
Please don't!
-Don't...
-Where's your husband?
So you don't know where he is?
Where is your husband?
Which of you had no training,
or has no combat experience?
-I!
-Feeder! And you, loader!
You have no experience?
-No.
-You'll lead horses!
That's St. Elijah, the thunderer.
We leave in an hour!
The battery shall pack
food for two days.
At ease.
Who had no training,
or has no combat experience?
-I didn't...
-Feeder! And you, loader.
All others, hand me
your army booklets.
Timer!
I served in the artillery.
At Kumanovo.
Assistant aimer!
I know that one, captain!
Feeder!
Yessir!
Života, give them
their assignments.
Save ammunition. No wasting!
Measure thrice... Five times!
-Get ready to move out.
-Yes sir.
Hand me that brandy.
Majesty, I greatly admire
all of your military achievements,
and the courage
you've shown in battle.
-All the stories I've heard about you...
-Aren't true!
No truth in them.
All that's said about war,
isn't true.
Soldier, you're still
wet behind your ears.
You all want to defend
your homeland
thinking there's
nothing nicer in life.
And then, if you're lucky,
you get killed early on.
So you don't get to watch your
companions getting killed.
Death is everywhere.
Ugly and accidental.
Those that deserve it
are not the ones to die.
Rather it's those that fate has
chosen to meet the bullet.
In war, after a few weeks,
you loose your
soul and your mind.
All that's left of
you is your name.
What makes you go on is just
your instinct. Of an animal...
Great courage in war is no virtue.
War is chaos, mindlessness.
Anyone that manages
to keep his cool in that hell,
simply isn't normal.
Human lives are not the worst
thing that's lost in war.
War kills the soul
in each of us.
And I've fought enough wars...
It would be logical to expect
them to cross the river Sava
and then continue
the advance centrally,
along the basin of the
river Velika Morava.
That's certainly what I would do
in their place.
Still, there have been incursions
in the villages of Lešnica
and Jelav along the river Drina.
Word is that they've drafted
our brethren from Herzegovina
to attack their own people
on this side of the river Drina.
We should get our
troops ready to march.
To Mt. Cer!
What's your name?
I'm Momčilo Gavrić from
Trbušnica near Loznica.
Why aren't you at home with
your parents, young Gavrić?
I've no one any more.
The Krauts killed my whole family
and torched the village.
My Mother and seven brothers
and sisters.
Damned Krauts!
You're too young for the army.
I want to avenge my loved ones!
Or die.
See that wagon behind me?
Say that Capt. Savić sent you.
They'll take care of you.
Is that clear? Go now!
Engineers, move the wagon uphill!
Back to your duties!
Mind the horses!
Don't let steel
rub against them...
Damned cough!
"Oh, Serbia mother dear
Thou must not shed a tear.
When you beckon,
when you send your call,
we'll come one an all!"
Hold it there!
Camouflage it!
Easy now!
To the right!
The hand rub isn't helping any.
I need you to use your feet.
Your Majesty, an
urgent telegram for you!
Slip it under the door!
I know what's it about.
A new damned war has started.
Open fire on Kosanin Grad!
Orders by general Stepanović!
Open fire on Kosanin Grad Hill!
Understood!
Coordinates 32/0.
Distance 3200!
-Wait for the order to fire.
-Yessir!
Open fire on the enemy battery
on the edge of the forest.
Coordinates...
-32 and 0.
-Distance 3200!
-3250...
We'll be short.
32/0!
Distance 3200!
32/0...
Distance 3200.
32/0.
Distance 3200.
Three shells per piece!
Rapid fire!
Fire!
Range correction salvo!
Same elements!
Fire!
They got us in their sights!
-They're hitting us. We're exposed!
-You don't say?
Over here! Quick!
Put it out!
Throw dirt on it!
Bring more shells!
This is not good...
We're hitting short
and wasting ammunition!
Set range 3230!
I knew it wasn't enough.
It's all right.
You'll make it.
Call the medics!
Wait, the shell!
Call the medics!
Mother...
It's all right, you'll make it.
Calm down...
Put out the fire!
Throw dirt on it!
Medic! Over here!
Resupply the ammunition.
Medics are coming!
Take over, kid.
Take over!
Snap out!
You're the aimer now!
Go on.
Follow me, men!
Charge, my falcons!
Charge!
Run up that hill!
Hand grenades!
-What now captain?
-Get more shells!
Call the command.
We're out of shells!
Increase the distance
by 50 meters.
Set the fuse so it explodes
when it digs into the ground.
Two shells and then
we'll correct if needed.
Života...
Just align this sight
with that ring over there.
The wheel is used...
I'll explain if we survive this!
Same coordinates, fire at will!
Fire!
Did we get them?
You're finally shooting right!
We've got the bastards!
Don't waist shells.
It's the infantry's turn now.
Hold your fire!
Enemy artillery positions
have been destroyed!
Get them now, boys!
-Where are you going?
-It's time to fight!
Why did you kill him?
Let me go!
Put me down!
-Let me go!
-Move!
Stay here and settle down!
Signal our victory!
"Dear Mother.
I'm writing as I promised.
I'm alive and well.
We've been digging
trenches for two weeks now.
There'll be more of that,
I reckon.
We're stuck here,
and get little rest and sleep.
The rain is the biggest problem.
It pours down day and night.
Lice are also dropping
off our shaven heads.
Had anyone told me this is war,
I would have called him a liar.
Some say our troops are pulling
out elsewhere along the front.
After Mt. Cer,
a mighty force pounced on us.
And we even have
to spare our ammunition.
Death is all around us.
It's always with us.
You can hear a bullet
sinking into a man.
You don't forget that.
It's like nothing else...
I'm now used to them dying.
But I can't bear
seeing our men go."
Let's move out, soldier.
Life won't wait for us.
Nor will death!
-Bad move. Not that again?
-Oh yes!
-"My dear home county..."
-I bet five!
Right!
"Where I was born..."
I bet I'll get "Sheshbesh"!
"I think of you all the time..."
I'm so sorry, my friend.
Really sorry!
Nothing personal,
but that's mine too.
"I think of you all the time..."
Take this.
I guess rations
will come soon.
Beans today,
cabbage tomorrow!
And then for a change
it'll be beans followed by cabbage!
I can't eat cabbage any more.
Be glad that there's
still a choice!
Thing can only get worse.
Don't worry.
There'll always be something for you.
I'm not worried.
I can do without food if needed.
Života, when will you teach
me how to use the sights?
-How about now?
-Great!
Orders to move out have come.
We leave in an hour.
Where to?
No stupid questions.
Get the cannons ready!
They said: "No pulling back.
At the cost of life!"
Silence!
It's good if we're to retreat.
We have nothing to fight with anyway.
Victory, Your Majesty!
Enemy troops have been driven
back across the Drina and Sava.
Austro-Hungarian forces
had 18500 dead and wounded.
And us?
Your Majesty, we had 4700
dead and 11000 wounded.
But have no worry,
the Serbian army is holding up well
against a numerically
and technically superior enemy!
Why have they sent for me, then?
With due respect,
the people want to see you!
I see you are armed now...
You're in charge of the tools.
Spades and hatches and all!
We've fought for two months
and now we're to retreat...
What's next?
I'd like to ask them that!
-Good day...
-Indeed.
Are you from the artillery?
Yes we are.
What brings you here?
Maybe you know Marinko Spasojević
from Slovac?
I don't know him.
Damn the Krauts,
may their breed go extinct!
Which division,
regiment and company is he in?
I know that he's with
general Stepa Stepanović.
Just like all of us here!
-Let me give you a hand...
-Thank you.
A truce is not possible!
I've ordered my troops to
withdraw to the interior.
We'll be giving them
Belgrade without a fight.
On a platter!
Hold on, gentlemen...
Let's hear Gen. Mišić.
I don't intend to be
on the defensive, but to attack.
First of all,
the disorderly retreat
must be turned into proper,
regular withdrawal.
The withdrawal will lure
the enemy into a trap.
Once he realizes that
the Serbian army is pulling back,
Potiorek will turn on Belgrade.
When they pounce on Belgrade
and thus turn their back to us,
we have to launch
a furious attack.
I assure you they will curse
the day they were born.
Well, I like it!
Where do we get the artillery
shells for this counter-attack?
Damn... you can do
that much for this victory,
that will be remembered
for a long time.
Get the signalers to connect me
to Greece, France,
Russia and Great Britain.
I'll secure the ammunition.
-Have the connections been established?
-Yes, Majesty!
To the Russian Emperor
Nicolas II Romanov...
...our country now faces
the most difficult moment
since the declaration of war
made by the Austria-Hungary.
To Mr. Venizelos,
Prime Minister of Greece.
Dear Sir. I hereby submit
to you my request...
My appeal for assistance,
since Serbia is in mortal danger...
Serbia and France are allies
from the start of this war.
Now that Serbia faces
certain destruction,
I must kneel before you and
ask for financial assistance...
Thank You for the unselfish aid
and support to our people.
I hereby inform you that I have reached
an agreement with our French allies.
They will pay you for
the said ammunition
that you should send
us as soon as possible.
For the financial,
political and military assistance,
as King of Serbia,
I vow that in the shortest time possible,
I will erect a monument
of gratitude to Russia.
The Greek government,
headed by Mr. Venizelos,
has already promised us
aid in artillery ammunition
should your country grants
us financial support.
Your Majesty. In this crucial
moment for your country...
The unbreakable ties
between our two peoples...
Neither You nor your country
shall kneel before anyone.
We'll gladly grant you
the aid you have requested!
My Frenchmen!
The French!
They will send it all
through Greece by train.
They ask for guarantees that
we'll repay them after the war
through war reparations...
The French, indeed.
Hurry up, it must be distributed
by this evening!
-Hold it. What are those?
-Shrapnel!
Keep them separate
from the explosive ones!
Bring in the next wagon!
-What's our regiment?
-The iron one!
-Who are we?
-The Iron Regiment!
-I can't hear you!
-The Iron Regiment!
-Who will we wipe out?
-The Krauts!
-What was that?
-The Krauts!
"To die we're ready one and all
or in freedom we'll stand tall!
From a stream of our blood
freedom shall come as a flood!
From a stream of our blood
freedom shall come as a flood!"
Fix bayonets!
The fearless march forward
with determination
and trusting in God!
Fire!
Follow me, men!
Charge!
Artillerymen, weapon in hand!
Follow me bravely!
Charge!
I swear before God
and my people
that I will guide Serbia along
the path of peace and progress,
and that I will do all I can
to keep my people
from destruction
that it already
faced far too often.
Without its people,
there is no Serbia.
Hence, I will fight
with all my strength
to treat every human
life as sacred.
Who are you, son?
Momčilo Gavrić, 6th Artillery
Regiment of the Drina Division.
-What are you doing!?
-Trying to get myself a rifle.
-Son...
-Don't chase me away, Majestuous.
I have nowhere to go.
All of my folk have been killed.
-You should help with the wounded!
-I will, Majestuous.
That's an order, soldier!
Yes Sir!
Go on.
Was that a three?
Look at this!
Score! Your play!
Marinko, why is everyone so happy?
There's word
of King Petar coming to visit us.
Majestuous?
What is it you're writing?
A letter to my mother.
I promised I would write.
So what did you
write in your letter?
About the war.
About the victory
in the Battle of Kolubara.
Last night I dreamt
I was in my village.
And that mother was
bringing me apples.
Smiling at me.
I was so sad when I woke up.
It was just a dream.
Do you want me to show you
how to use the sights?
Sure.
It can wait...
On your feet!
Atten-tion!
Your Majesty!
The 2nd battery of the Drina Division
6th Artillery Regiment
has been marshalled
in Your honor!
-Trusting in God, soldiers!
-God be with you!
Soldier Momčilo Gavrić,
step forward!
By order of his Majesty King Petar I
Karađorđević
Soldier Momčilo Gavrić,
son of the Drina Division
Is hereby promoted
to the rank of corporal!
Those in favor, step forward!
They all agree, soldier!
-Congratulations!
-Thank you, Majestuous!
"Mother, we've chased
them back across the Drina again.
We won't let them
take our dear Serbia!
I've seen King Petar.
He came to visit us!
Our old king.
I'm managing somehow.
I hope you are well too
and that you're not hungry.
I didn't bring along
the socks you've made for me.
I could sure use them now."
Sure you could!
I know you need them.
"In their leaflets Krauts say
that Bulgarians are
about to attack us too.
We have nothing
left to fight with.
We've used up our ammunition
in the Battle of Kolubara.
Many say that's why we'll lose
and the Krauts'll take Serbia.
I know we will not!
We'll never surrender, mother."
Damned Krauts,
may their breed go extinct!
"Should people start to flee,
go along with them to Niš.
Your loving son."
Halt.
Stop.
What is it?
We've fallen behind.
I can't see the others.
Damn this fog.
You're still smoking my tobacco?
-It's not yours, it's mine!
-How about lending me one?
-I have none left.
-Života, please.
Hush.
Take it.
It could have easily been my last.
God forbid!
A Bulgarian reconnaissance unit!
They're gone.
We'll go that way.
If it weren't for you,
it would have ended badly.
We'll all be killed.
By the Krauts, the Austrian-
Hungarians or the Bulgarians.
The government has already fled
from Niš.
Any news on the whereabouts
of the troops?
Who knows!
They're all going in the same direction.
-Where?
-To Kosovo.
Stay back!
You can't board!
This car is for the wounded men
from Kolubara!
Are you sure this will
take us to Prizren?
We will. In time for dinner.
We won't be eating dinner
for a while.
If I only had some tobacco.
Pick up the pace!
Does anyone know where's
Gen. Stepanović's army headed?
Marinko...
Marinko!
Do you have some dry bread?
There are three
paths ahead of us.
The first is to launch
a counter attack
against this
three-headed enemy.
That would lead us to destruction.
Might be, though not necessarily.
The second path is the retreat
across the Albanian mountains.
To try to reconnect
with the Allies in Corfu.
As I understand, this is what
the government recommends.
The Austrians are following us
along the valley of the Lim.
To cut off our withdrawal.
In that case,
we need to hasten.
Macedonia is no longer an option?
No. The Bulgarians hold most
of the Vardar basin in Macedonia.
The Allies have failed
to break through.
The third option is
striking an agreement.
You mean, surrender?
If we agree that this is best
for our country and people.
Supreme commander,
we must take a decision.
Those in favor of the offensive
raise their right hand.
Those in favor of the retreat,
raise their left hand.
Three against three.
Your Highness...
The enemy has shown
on many occasions
how he treats those
that surrender to him.
We have nothing to
hope for in that sense.
We wouldn't get out alive.
Without ammunition,
we can't fight against three armies.
That would just be a sacrifice.
As King of Serbs, I order the
withdrawal across Albania.
Of all our troops and people.
Long live the king!
Never mind that.
Mišić!
Let him go.
My children.
My people, my soldiers!
We've been victorious,
but must withdraw.
God only knows what
that is good for.
You have sworn to the Fatherland
and to your King
that you will fight
to the last drop of your blood.
I now release you from the
oath you've given me.
To those that want to go home, I say:
God keep you!
Go to your homes
and I give you my word
that no one will suffer
any consequences for it.
Whether your country will
forgive you for it...
That's something you'll
have to settle with it.
We are facing a retreat
across the Albanian mountains.
Many will not come back.
I, your old King,
shall stay with you.
I promise that we will return
to defend Kosovo and Serbia!
If we do not get back alive,
we'll haunt them from our
graves until Judgment Day!
Your Majesty, may I help you?
The king can manage.
See you on the other side!
Petar...
My husband was killed fighting
for you in the 2nd Balkan War.
I must not loose
my only son Marinko too.
I gave you my husband.
My only son I will not.
We're ready...
I've made these socks for him.
I beg You in the name of God...
Find him and give this to him.
Marinko Spasojević from
the village of Slovac!
From his mother Makrena!
Do you know his regiment
and division?
Gunnery.
He's with Stepanović's army!
Come on, pull!
Soldier, where is Stepa Stepanović?
We're catching up with
the rear of the 2nd Army.
Voivode Stepanović is ahead,
with the Command.
Take a horse, catch up with him
and tell him to wait up for me.
Yessir!
How can I help, Your Majesty?
I'm looking for a soldier
named Marinko Spasojević.
-He's serving in your army.
-Why are you looking for him?
I need to give him something.
To do something
meaningful in this mayhem.
-Which branch is he in?
-Your artillery.
You know his division and battery?
I don't know.
I've split up my artillery.
The first two divisions took
this road towards the Old Pass.
The third is headed up to the canyon.
That's where they'll destroy their guns.
I couldn't watch that.
Života, it's been a while
that I wanted to ask you...
Speak up.
When we met, on the eve
of the battle on Mt. Cer.
Even though you didn't know me,
you said you did. Why?
Pull harder!
-You've never told me why.
-I don't know.
Turn it around.
-Eternal glory, Elijah!
-And thank you.
-Života...
-What?
You knew I had no experience,
but you took me on.
-I thought I knew you from somewhere.
-How come?
Just leave me alone.
What's gotten into you?
You've never told me
a thing about your life.
If I had all the answers,
I'd be a government minister!
Move it, they're waiting for us.
There isn't much to say.
I have a house with some land.
There's a few walnut trees,
a pear tree and some plum trees.
I can hardly recall my mother.
She died when I was about his age.
All my life,
I wanted to have a daughter.
I didn't get around
to it with all these wars.
Everyone else wanted a son.
Only I wanted... a girl.
Don't ask me why,
because I do not know.
Your Majesty!
Col. Dimitrijević!
-Can I help you, Your Majesty?
-No need to.
I'm determined
to stand by Your Majesty.
-I just wanted You to know.
-It's all right, Dragutin.
Apis!
There's a thing you
could help me with.
Marinko where are we going?
People, stop!
What's happening here?
-Get up, soldier.
-I beg you...
On your feet!
That's it!
Get up, damn it!
Move on!
On the double!
We must reach the camp by dawn.
They'll leave without us!
We can't all perish
because of a single man.
Don't leave me...
Move on!
Don't go... Please.
-Trusting in God, men!
-God be with you!
-Can you make it, Momčilo?
- I'm so exhausted.
Let's take a rest.
-Can a man die of hunger?
-You die if you don't eat.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of you.
-Get up!
-Just a little, Života.
-Get going!
-Don't be like that.
If you sit down,
you'll never get up.
Give me your hand.
I'm hungry.
Give him to me.
I'll take over now.
No sleeping!
Wake up!
Your Majesty, I'm sergeant
Milojević. This way, please.
-Don't we shake hands?
-Sure, Your Majesty!
-Trusting in God, soldiers!
-God be with you!
God be with you!
Does anyone know soldier
Marinko Spasojević
from the village
of Slovac near Valjevo?
Is he an artilleryman?
Yes. With Voivode Stepanović,
like you.
I know who Marinko is!
-What's his regiment and battery?
-What's his unit?
Pardon him, he's gone deaf
in the Battle of Kolubara.
What's his battery?
Isn't he the one in Života's crew?
Marko from Brgul might know!
-Which Marko?
-The one we called Rotten Egg!
The short one that played
"Sheshbesh" with Života.
-Where is he?
-Dead, Your Majesty.
If he's the one I think he is...
It's the Drina Division!
Života is in the 7th Regiment.
Where are they now?
I haven't seen them
for a couple of days.
Thank you, soldiers!
-Hold fast, my sons!
-We will, Your Majesty!
Života!
Come back!
What is it?
-I can't go any further.
-You must.
Let's rest a while.
We'll catch up with them.
If you stay here,
you won't survive the night.
Neither will him. Get up.
What are you saying?
-What did you say?
-Get up!
We have to reach the camp
by daybreak. Any way we can.
Get up.
I can't walk!
Wait, please.
Života!
If you don't leave him,
you're finished too.
I'm not leaving him.
Take it.
This too.
It's all I have.
Farewell.
Života...
Života!
Can't you be more careful?
Does anyone have some paper?
Do you have a piece of paper?
No lagging behind!
No sleeping!
Whoever stops will
never get up again!
Hold fast, soldiers!
You, get up!
Hold fast!
Come on, sing!
Not much left to the camp!
Soldier, a song!
If you're cold, dance to warm up!
"Young Captain,
where are you coming from?
I come from the banks
of the Vardar, from a bloody battle.
Young captain,
do you know my sweetheart?
A simple soldier by
the name of Jovan."
Are any of you from the Drina Division?
Majesty, why is this soldier
so important to you?
Go back, solder.
You're still in time. This is my battle.
Marinko...
Nothing here...
Just the damn snow.
Momčilo...
Trusting in God!
I seek Marinko Spasojević,
from the village of Slovac.
Drina Division,
7th Artillery Regiment.
The young one?
How did we get here?
I carried you.
-There he is!
-Who?
Over there!
You're imagining it, Momčilo.
There is no one there.
Calm down.
Calm down.
Fever. The both of us.
Momčilo... Those are our troops!
Momčilo!
Brothers!
Brothers...
Brothers...
Oh, mother dear...
Sweet mother.
Don't cry, Marinko.
Please!
Mother!
Your Majesty, I didn't find
out much about that soldier.
Is he alive?
I don't know.
He might be, if he's in the group
that got scattered on
the way to the mountain pass.
If he's alive, that's where he is.
Four hours from here.
Momčilo, tell me about
your village Trbušnica...
How many homes are there?
Don't sleep!
About a hundred homesteads...
At least before the Krauts came.
Did you have sheep?
We had... Eight.
And plum trees?
Plum trees?
Did your father make brandy?
Don't sleep!
I'm not sleeping.
It's just that my clothes
are so thin...
Majesty, do we take a rest?
Come here.
It's far enough.
Let's go back.
We go on!
-Soldier!
-Majestuous...
My little soldier.
Never forget this sight, soldier.
You must tell others about it.
Let this be the last war
our people had to die in.
I give you my word,
that I will be a true
constitutional king of Serbia.
and that as ruler,
I will strive
for the freedom, peace
and progress of my people.
From this day forth,
as your king,
I'll defend these sacred goals
with my life and my honor.
You have my word!
Don't, you'll drown!
"ON LIBERTY"
by John Stuart Mill
That book...
Where did you get it?
Found it on the road.
Better yet, it found me.
It is innate to
every man to be free.
To be able to fulfill his call,
here on earth.
The way I see it, we're
all free in one way only.
To suffer.
It's title is "On Liberty".
Could you help me out...
I'm glad that this book
was useful to someone.
What else does
that book say?
That liberty is the point
of human existence.
I'm not the man
for that book.
All my life, I've been
free to do as I please.
And I've always made
the worse choices.
-Here you are.
-Thank you.
Back at the time when
they called me Pierre,
I fought at Sedan with my
comrade Francois Messer.
A grenade blew
him to pieces.
But that saved me.
His legs over there, his
head to the other side...
I picked up the pieces
and put them in a sack.
I carried that sack on
my back the whole day.
Looking for the prettiest
place to burry him.
I carried my freedom in a sack.
You wouldn't be King Petar,
would you?
Had someone told me I'd be
smoking with the king...
Troops, turn back!
Fall in!
Atten-tion!
"Way yonder...
Far away from the sea.
There my sweet village lies.
That's where my Serbia awaits.
Way yonder,
where the yellow lemon blooms
That's where the Serbian army
Had to make its way."
"That's where the Serbian
army had to make its way."
After its martyrdom in Albania,
the Serbian Army recovered
on the island of Corfu.
With the Allies, it sealed
the victory in the Great War.
According to the Paris
Peace Conference data
Serbia had lost a third of its population:
1.3 million people.
In the Great War no nation
paid such a price for its freedom.
King Petar I found Makrena
Spasojević's grave after the war.
She died brokenhearted
for the loss of her son.
The King financed a monument
to Makrena and Marinko.
He died on August 16, 1921
as the most beloved Serbian king.
Oh why did I have to face
such a sad, horrible night.
When you, my darling one went off
in a war to fight.
When you, my darling one went off
in a war to fight.
Way yonder...
where the whitest lilies bloom
That's where father and son
met their terrible doom.
That's where father and son
both met their terrible doom.
You probably expected a man
that's better and more handsome
than any of the previous kings.
A man to astound everyone,
win everyone over,
and meet every expectation.
You have before you
but a humble old man.
I have come to tell you
that I am willing to accept
the throne of Serbia granted
me by God and by the people.
I promise to put all
my interests aside
and that my only concern shall
always be the Serbian people.
I shall warrant with my life
the freedom and the rights
of the people I will lead.
On June 24, 1914
king Petar I
abdicated in favor of
his son Aleksandar.
Franz Ferdinand - heir to
the Austro-Hungarian throne
was assassinated in
Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.
Austria-Hungary
blamed Serbia for it.
On July 23, 1914 it presented
the Serbian government
with a list of demands that no
independent state could accept.
These events led to the Great
War, the bloodiest war ever.
July 24th 1914
WAR IS INEVITABLE
IT'S ALL OVER
RELATIONS BETWEEN SERBIA
AND AUSTRIA-HUNGARY SEVERED!
All who are not part
of the High Command, leave the room.
Key Makeup artist Dušica Vuksanović
Visual Effects Ivan Èolić
We hoped that
the diplomatic efforts
of the Russian Ambassador
would give results.
-But now...
-We have no choice but to fight and die.
The mobilization plans
drawn by Mr. Putnik
should come into
effect as of tonight.
Our farmer-soldiers have barely
taken their uniforms off.
I suggest we also call
his majesty King Petar.
I think we need his
wisdom at this moment.
Good... This is fine.
Arthritis is an
autoimmune disease.
Your body, for some reason,
produces antibodies.
They attack your cartilage,
even though it's healthy.
The organism is practically
attacking itself.
Do not skip your warm,
relaxing baths,
even when you seem
to be alright.
"Their horrible request
has no precedent!
Now all hopes lie with Russia
and its promise of
a diplomatic mediation.
You are needed, Petar.
By Pašić, the High Command
and by your son Aleksandar."
Now I'm needed...
Are you writing?
My advice is for the government
to accept their requests.
What now looks
like a weakness,
will be seen as
diplomacy in future.
What seems punishment now,
will spare us from greater
destruction tomorrow.
And what looks like spite today
will be sheer
stupidity tomorrow.
My son, regent Aleksandar will
surely make the right decision.
Protect yourself from the cold!
Is that clear?
Right.
-And don't go hungry.
-Right, mother.
Come on, Marinko!
We're all waiting!
Remember what I'm
about to tell you now.
Else you'll end up
like your late father.
When there's a charge, don't
be the first, nor the last.
Don't worry, I'll be
back before winter comes.
My dear son...
-War scatters people at its own will.
-I'll write.
Marinko we're waiting!
They're calling me.
Farewell.
Marinko, the war will end
by the time you get ready!
Hello brothers!
Are you all right?
Let's go!
Mother!
Please don't!
-Don't...
-Where's your husband?
So you don't know where he is?
Where is your husband?
Which of you had no training,
or has no combat experience?
-I!
-Feeder! And you, loader!
You have no experience?
-No.
-You'll lead horses!
That's St. Elijah, the thunderer.
We leave in an hour!
The battery shall pack
food for two days.
At ease.
Who had no training,
or has no combat experience?
-I didn't...
-Feeder! And you, loader.
All others, hand me
your army booklets.
Timer!
I served in the artillery.
At Kumanovo.
Assistant aimer!
I know that one, captain!
Feeder!
Yessir!
Života, give them
their assignments.
Save ammunition. No wasting!
Measure thrice... Five times!
-Get ready to move out.
-Yes sir.
Hand me that brandy.
Majesty, I greatly admire
all of your military achievements,
and the courage
you've shown in battle.
-All the stories I've heard about you...
-Aren't true!
No truth in them.
All that's said about war,
isn't true.
Soldier, you're still
wet behind your ears.
You all want to defend
your homeland
thinking there's
nothing nicer in life.
And then, if you're lucky,
you get killed early on.
So you don't get to watch your
companions getting killed.
Death is everywhere.
Ugly and accidental.
Those that deserve it
are not the ones to die.
Rather it's those that fate has
chosen to meet the bullet.
In war, after a few weeks,
you loose your
soul and your mind.
All that's left of
you is your name.
What makes you go on is just
your instinct. Of an animal...
Great courage in war is no virtue.
War is chaos, mindlessness.
Anyone that manages
to keep his cool in that hell,
simply isn't normal.
Human lives are not the worst
thing that's lost in war.
War kills the soul
in each of us.
And I've fought enough wars...
It would be logical to expect
them to cross the river Sava
and then continue
the advance centrally,
along the basin of the
river Velika Morava.
That's certainly what I would do
in their place.
Still, there have been incursions
in the villages of Lešnica
and Jelav along the river Drina.
Word is that they've drafted
our brethren from Herzegovina
to attack their own people
on this side of the river Drina.
We should get our
troops ready to march.
To Mt. Cer!
What's your name?
I'm Momčilo Gavrić from
Trbušnica near Loznica.
Why aren't you at home with
your parents, young Gavrić?
I've no one any more.
The Krauts killed my whole family
and torched the village.
My Mother and seven brothers
and sisters.
Damned Krauts!
You're too young for the army.
I want to avenge my loved ones!
Or die.
See that wagon behind me?
Say that Capt. Savić sent you.
They'll take care of you.
Is that clear? Go now!
Engineers, move the wagon uphill!
Back to your duties!
Mind the horses!
Don't let steel
rub against them...
Damned cough!
"Oh, Serbia mother dear
Thou must not shed a tear.
When you beckon,
when you send your call,
we'll come one an all!"
Hold it there!
Camouflage it!
Easy now!
To the right!
The hand rub isn't helping any.
I need you to use your feet.
Your Majesty, an
urgent telegram for you!
Slip it under the door!
I know what's it about.
A new damned war has started.
Open fire on Kosanin Grad!
Orders by general Stepanović!
Open fire on Kosanin Grad Hill!
Understood!
Coordinates 32/0.
Distance 3200!
-Wait for the order to fire.
-Yessir!
Open fire on the enemy battery
on the edge of the forest.
Coordinates...
-32 and 0.
-Distance 3200!
-3250...
We'll be short.
32/0!
Distance 3200!
32/0...
Distance 3200.
32/0.
Distance 3200.
Three shells per piece!
Rapid fire!
Fire!
Range correction salvo!
Same elements!
Fire!
They got us in their sights!
-They're hitting us. We're exposed!
-You don't say?
Over here! Quick!
Put it out!
Throw dirt on it!
Bring more shells!
This is not good...
We're hitting short
and wasting ammunition!
Set range 3230!
I knew it wasn't enough.
It's all right.
You'll make it.
Call the medics!
Wait, the shell!
Call the medics!
Mother...
It's all right, you'll make it.
Calm down...
Put out the fire!
Throw dirt on it!
Medic! Over here!
Resupply the ammunition.
Medics are coming!
Take over, kid.
Take over!
Snap out!
You're the aimer now!
Go on.
Follow me, men!
Charge, my falcons!
Charge!
Run up that hill!
Hand grenades!
-What now captain?
-Get more shells!
Call the command.
We're out of shells!
Increase the distance
by 50 meters.
Set the fuse so it explodes
when it digs into the ground.
Two shells and then
we'll correct if needed.
Života...
Just align this sight
with that ring over there.
The wheel is used...
I'll explain if we survive this!
Same coordinates, fire at will!
Fire!
Did we get them?
You're finally shooting right!
We've got the bastards!
Don't waist shells.
It's the infantry's turn now.
Hold your fire!
Enemy artillery positions
have been destroyed!
Get them now, boys!
-Where are you going?
-It's time to fight!
Why did you kill him?
Let me go!
Put me down!
-Let me go!
-Move!
Stay here and settle down!
Signal our victory!
"Dear Mother.
I'm writing as I promised.
I'm alive and well.
We've been digging
trenches for two weeks now.
There'll be more of that,
I reckon.
We're stuck here,
and get little rest and sleep.
The rain is the biggest problem.
It pours down day and night.
Lice are also dropping
off our shaven heads.
Had anyone told me this is war,
I would have called him a liar.
Some say our troops are pulling
out elsewhere along the front.
After Mt. Cer,
a mighty force pounced on us.
And we even have
to spare our ammunition.
Death is all around us.
It's always with us.
You can hear a bullet
sinking into a man.
You don't forget that.
It's like nothing else...
I'm now used to them dying.
But I can't bear
seeing our men go."
Let's move out, soldier.
Life won't wait for us.
Nor will death!
-Bad move. Not that again?
-Oh yes!
-"My dear home county..."
-I bet five!
Right!
"Where I was born..."
I bet I'll get "Sheshbesh"!
"I think of you all the time..."
I'm so sorry, my friend.
Really sorry!
Nothing personal,
but that's mine too.
"I think of you all the time..."
Take this.
I guess rations
will come soon.
Beans today,
cabbage tomorrow!
And then for a change
it'll be beans followed by cabbage!
I can't eat cabbage any more.
Be glad that there's
still a choice!
Thing can only get worse.
Don't worry.
There'll always be something for you.
I'm not worried.
I can do without food if needed.
Života, when will you teach
me how to use the sights?
-How about now?
-Great!
Orders to move out have come.
We leave in an hour.
Where to?
No stupid questions.
Get the cannons ready!
They said: "No pulling back.
At the cost of life!"
Silence!
It's good if we're to retreat.
We have nothing to fight with anyway.
Victory, Your Majesty!
Enemy troops have been driven
back across the Drina and Sava.
Austro-Hungarian forces
had 18500 dead and wounded.
And us?
Your Majesty, we had 4700
dead and 11000 wounded.
But have no worry,
the Serbian army is holding up well
against a numerically
and technically superior enemy!
Why have they sent for me, then?
With due respect,
the people want to see you!
I see you are armed now...
You're in charge of the tools.
Spades and hatches and all!
We've fought for two months
and now we're to retreat...
What's next?
I'd like to ask them that!
-Good day...
-Indeed.
Are you from the artillery?
Yes we are.
What brings you here?
Maybe you know Marinko Spasojević
from Slovac?
I don't know him.
Damn the Krauts,
may their breed go extinct!
Which division,
regiment and company is he in?
I know that he's with
general Stepa Stepanović.
Just like all of us here!
-Let me give you a hand...
-Thank you.
A truce is not possible!
I've ordered my troops to
withdraw to the interior.
We'll be giving them
Belgrade without a fight.
On a platter!
Hold on, gentlemen...
Let's hear Gen. Mišić.
I don't intend to be
on the defensive, but to attack.
First of all,
the disorderly retreat
must be turned into proper,
regular withdrawal.
The withdrawal will lure
the enemy into a trap.
Once he realizes that
the Serbian army is pulling back,
Potiorek will turn on Belgrade.
When they pounce on Belgrade
and thus turn their back to us,
we have to launch
a furious attack.
I assure you they will curse
the day they were born.
Well, I like it!
Where do we get the artillery
shells for this counter-attack?
Damn... you can do
that much for this victory,
that will be remembered
for a long time.
Get the signalers to connect me
to Greece, France,
Russia and Great Britain.
I'll secure the ammunition.
-Have the connections been established?
-Yes, Majesty!
To the Russian Emperor
Nicolas II Romanov...
...our country now faces
the most difficult moment
since the declaration of war
made by the Austria-Hungary.
To Mr. Venizelos,
Prime Minister of Greece.
Dear Sir. I hereby submit
to you my request...
My appeal for assistance,
since Serbia is in mortal danger...
Serbia and France are allies
from the start of this war.
Now that Serbia faces
certain destruction,
I must kneel before you and
ask for financial assistance...
Thank You for the unselfish aid
and support to our people.
I hereby inform you that I have reached
an agreement with our French allies.
They will pay you for
the said ammunition
that you should send
us as soon as possible.
For the financial,
political and military assistance,
as King of Serbia,
I vow that in the shortest time possible,
I will erect a monument
of gratitude to Russia.
The Greek government,
headed by Mr. Venizelos,
has already promised us
aid in artillery ammunition
should your country grants
us financial support.
Your Majesty. In this crucial
moment for your country...
The unbreakable ties
between our two peoples...
Neither You nor your country
shall kneel before anyone.
We'll gladly grant you
the aid you have requested!
My Frenchmen!
The French!
They will send it all
through Greece by train.
They ask for guarantees that
we'll repay them after the war
through war reparations...
The French, indeed.
Hurry up, it must be distributed
by this evening!
-Hold it. What are those?
-Shrapnel!
Keep them separate
from the explosive ones!
Bring in the next wagon!
-What's our regiment?
-The iron one!
-Who are we?
-The Iron Regiment!
-I can't hear you!
-The Iron Regiment!
-Who will we wipe out?
-The Krauts!
-What was that?
-The Krauts!
"To die we're ready one and all
or in freedom we'll stand tall!
From a stream of our blood
freedom shall come as a flood!
From a stream of our blood
freedom shall come as a flood!"
Fix bayonets!
The fearless march forward
with determination
and trusting in God!
Fire!
Follow me, men!
Charge!
Artillerymen, weapon in hand!
Follow me bravely!
Charge!
I swear before God
and my people
that I will guide Serbia along
the path of peace and progress,
and that I will do all I can
to keep my people
from destruction
that it already
faced far too often.
Without its people,
there is no Serbia.
Hence, I will fight
with all my strength
to treat every human
life as sacred.
Who are you, son?
Momčilo Gavrić, 6th Artillery
Regiment of the Drina Division.
-What are you doing!?
-Trying to get myself a rifle.
-Son...
-Don't chase me away, Majestuous.
I have nowhere to go.
All of my folk have been killed.
-You should help with the wounded!
-I will, Majestuous.
That's an order, soldier!
Yes Sir!
Go on.
Was that a three?
Look at this!
Score! Your play!
Marinko, why is everyone so happy?
There's word
of King Petar coming to visit us.
Majestuous?
What is it you're writing?
A letter to my mother.
I promised I would write.
So what did you
write in your letter?
About the war.
About the victory
in the Battle of Kolubara.
Last night I dreamt
I was in my village.
And that mother was
bringing me apples.
Smiling at me.
I was so sad when I woke up.
It was just a dream.
Do you want me to show you
how to use the sights?
Sure.
It can wait...
On your feet!
Atten-tion!
Your Majesty!
The 2nd battery of the Drina Division
6th Artillery Regiment
has been marshalled
in Your honor!
-Trusting in God, soldiers!
-God be with you!
Soldier Momčilo Gavrić,
step forward!
By order of his Majesty King Petar I
Karađorđević
Soldier Momčilo Gavrić,
son of the Drina Division
Is hereby promoted
to the rank of corporal!
Those in favor, step forward!
They all agree, soldier!
-Congratulations!
-Thank you, Majestuous!
"Mother, we've chased
them back across the Drina again.
We won't let them
take our dear Serbia!
I've seen King Petar.
He came to visit us!
Our old king.
I'm managing somehow.
I hope you are well too
and that you're not hungry.
I didn't bring along
the socks you've made for me.
I could sure use them now."
Sure you could!
I know you need them.
"In their leaflets Krauts say
that Bulgarians are
about to attack us too.
We have nothing
left to fight with.
We've used up our ammunition
in the Battle of Kolubara.
Many say that's why we'll lose
and the Krauts'll take Serbia.
I know we will not!
We'll never surrender, mother."
Damned Krauts,
may their breed go extinct!
"Should people start to flee,
go along with them to Niš.
Your loving son."
Halt.
Stop.
What is it?
We've fallen behind.
I can't see the others.
Damn this fog.
You're still smoking my tobacco?
-It's not yours, it's mine!
-How about lending me one?
-I have none left.
-Života, please.
Hush.
Take it.
It could have easily been my last.
God forbid!
A Bulgarian reconnaissance unit!
They're gone.
We'll go that way.
If it weren't for you,
it would have ended badly.
We'll all be killed.
By the Krauts, the Austrian-
Hungarians or the Bulgarians.
The government has already fled
from Niš.
Any news on the whereabouts
of the troops?
Who knows!
They're all going in the same direction.
-Where?
-To Kosovo.
Stay back!
You can't board!
This car is for the wounded men
from Kolubara!
Are you sure this will
take us to Prizren?
We will. In time for dinner.
We won't be eating dinner
for a while.
If I only had some tobacco.
Pick up the pace!
Does anyone know where's
Gen. Stepanović's army headed?
Marinko...
Marinko!
Do you have some dry bread?
There are three
paths ahead of us.
The first is to launch
a counter attack
against this
three-headed enemy.
That would lead us to destruction.
Might be, though not necessarily.
The second path is the retreat
across the Albanian mountains.
To try to reconnect
with the Allies in Corfu.
As I understand, this is what
the government recommends.
The Austrians are following us
along the valley of the Lim.
To cut off our withdrawal.
In that case,
we need to hasten.
Macedonia is no longer an option?
No. The Bulgarians hold most
of the Vardar basin in Macedonia.
The Allies have failed
to break through.
The third option is
striking an agreement.
You mean, surrender?
If we agree that this is best
for our country and people.
Supreme commander,
we must take a decision.
Those in favor of the offensive
raise their right hand.
Those in favor of the retreat,
raise their left hand.
Three against three.
Your Highness...
The enemy has shown
on many occasions
how he treats those
that surrender to him.
We have nothing to
hope for in that sense.
We wouldn't get out alive.
Without ammunition,
we can't fight against three armies.
That would just be a sacrifice.
As King of Serbs, I order the
withdrawal across Albania.
Of all our troops and people.
Long live the king!
Never mind that.
Mišić!
Let him go.
My children.
My people, my soldiers!
We've been victorious,
but must withdraw.
God only knows what
that is good for.
You have sworn to the Fatherland
and to your King
that you will fight
to the last drop of your blood.
I now release you from the
oath you've given me.
To those that want to go home, I say:
God keep you!
Go to your homes
and I give you my word
that no one will suffer
any consequences for it.
Whether your country will
forgive you for it...
That's something you'll
have to settle with it.
We are facing a retreat
across the Albanian mountains.
Many will not come back.
I, your old King,
shall stay with you.
I promise that we will return
to defend Kosovo and Serbia!
If we do not get back alive,
we'll haunt them from our
graves until Judgment Day!
Your Majesty, may I help you?
The king can manage.
See you on the other side!
Petar...
My husband was killed fighting
for you in the 2nd Balkan War.
I must not loose
my only son Marinko too.
I gave you my husband.
My only son I will not.
We're ready...
I've made these socks for him.
I beg You in the name of God...
Find him and give this to him.
Marinko Spasojević from
the village of Slovac!
From his mother Makrena!
Do you know his regiment
and division?
Gunnery.
He's with Stepanović's army!
Come on, pull!
Soldier, where is Stepa Stepanović?
We're catching up with
the rear of the 2nd Army.
Voivode Stepanović is ahead,
with the Command.
Take a horse, catch up with him
and tell him to wait up for me.
Yessir!
How can I help, Your Majesty?
I'm looking for a soldier
named Marinko Spasojević.
-He's serving in your army.
-Why are you looking for him?
I need to give him something.
To do something
meaningful in this mayhem.
-Which branch is he in?
-Your artillery.
You know his division and battery?
I don't know.
I've split up my artillery.
The first two divisions took
this road towards the Old Pass.
The third is headed up to the canyon.
That's where they'll destroy their guns.
I couldn't watch that.
Života, it's been a while
that I wanted to ask you...
Speak up.
When we met, on the eve
of the battle on Mt. Cer.
Even though you didn't know me,
you said you did. Why?
Pull harder!
-You've never told me why.
-I don't know.
Turn it around.
-Eternal glory, Elijah!
-And thank you.
-Života...
-What?
You knew I had no experience,
but you took me on.
-I thought I knew you from somewhere.
-How come?
Just leave me alone.
What's gotten into you?
You've never told me
a thing about your life.
If I had all the answers,
I'd be a government minister!
Move it, they're waiting for us.
There isn't much to say.
I have a house with some land.
There's a few walnut trees,
a pear tree and some plum trees.
I can hardly recall my mother.
She died when I was about his age.
All my life,
I wanted to have a daughter.
I didn't get around
to it with all these wars.
Everyone else wanted a son.
Only I wanted... a girl.
Don't ask me why,
because I do not know.
Your Majesty!
Col. Dimitrijević!
-Can I help you, Your Majesty?
-No need to.
I'm determined
to stand by Your Majesty.
-I just wanted You to know.
-It's all right, Dragutin.
Apis!
There's a thing you
could help me with.
Marinko where are we going?
People, stop!
What's happening here?
-Get up, soldier.
-I beg you...
On your feet!
That's it!
Get up, damn it!
Move on!
On the double!
We must reach the camp by dawn.
They'll leave without us!
We can't all perish
because of a single man.
Don't leave me...
Move on!
Don't go... Please.
-Trusting in God, men!
-God be with you!
-Can you make it, Momčilo?
- I'm so exhausted.
Let's take a rest.
-Can a man die of hunger?
-You die if you don't eat.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of you.
-Get up!
-Just a little, Života.
-Get going!
-Don't be like that.
If you sit down,
you'll never get up.
Give me your hand.
I'm hungry.
Give him to me.
I'll take over now.
No sleeping!
Wake up!
Your Majesty, I'm sergeant
Milojević. This way, please.
-Don't we shake hands?
-Sure, Your Majesty!
-Trusting in God, soldiers!
-God be with you!
God be with you!
Does anyone know soldier
Marinko Spasojević
from the village
of Slovac near Valjevo?
Is he an artilleryman?
Yes. With Voivode Stepanović,
like you.
I know who Marinko is!
-What's his regiment and battery?
-What's his unit?
Pardon him, he's gone deaf
in the Battle of Kolubara.
What's his battery?
Isn't he the one in Života's crew?
Marko from Brgul might know!
-Which Marko?
-The one we called Rotten Egg!
The short one that played
"Sheshbesh" with Života.
-Where is he?
-Dead, Your Majesty.
If he's the one I think he is...
It's the Drina Division!
Života is in the 7th Regiment.
Where are they now?
I haven't seen them
for a couple of days.
Thank you, soldiers!
-Hold fast, my sons!
-We will, Your Majesty!
Života!
Come back!
What is it?
-I can't go any further.
-You must.
Let's rest a while.
We'll catch up with them.
If you stay here,
you won't survive the night.
Neither will him. Get up.
What are you saying?
-What did you say?
-Get up!
We have to reach the camp
by daybreak. Any way we can.
Get up.
I can't walk!
Wait, please.
Života!
If you don't leave him,
you're finished too.
I'm not leaving him.
Take it.
This too.
It's all I have.
Farewell.
Života...
Života!
Can't you be more careful?
Does anyone have some paper?
Do you have a piece of paper?
No lagging behind!
No sleeping!
Whoever stops will
never get up again!
Hold fast, soldiers!
You, get up!
Hold fast!
Come on, sing!
Not much left to the camp!
Soldier, a song!
If you're cold, dance to warm up!
"Young Captain,
where are you coming from?
I come from the banks
of the Vardar, from a bloody battle.
Young captain,
do you know my sweetheart?
A simple soldier by
the name of Jovan."
Are any of you from the Drina Division?
Majesty, why is this soldier
so important to you?
Go back, solder.
You're still in time. This is my battle.
Marinko...
Nothing here...
Just the damn snow.
Momčilo...
Trusting in God!
I seek Marinko Spasojević,
from the village of Slovac.
Drina Division,
7th Artillery Regiment.
The young one?
How did we get here?
I carried you.
-There he is!
-Who?
Over there!
You're imagining it, Momčilo.
There is no one there.
Calm down.
Calm down.
Fever. The both of us.
Momčilo... Those are our troops!
Momčilo!
Brothers!
Brothers...
Brothers...
Oh, mother dear...
Sweet mother.
Don't cry, Marinko.
Please!
Mother!
Your Majesty, I didn't find
out much about that soldier.
Is he alive?
I don't know.
He might be, if he's in the group
that got scattered on
the way to the mountain pass.
If he's alive, that's where he is.
Four hours from here.
Momčilo, tell me about
your village Trbušnica...
How many homes are there?
Don't sleep!
About a hundred homesteads...
At least before the Krauts came.
Did you have sheep?
We had... Eight.
And plum trees?
Plum trees?
Did your father make brandy?
Don't sleep!
I'm not sleeping.
It's just that my clothes
are so thin...
Majesty, do we take a rest?
Come here.
It's far enough.
Let's go back.
We go on!
-Soldier!
-Majestuous...
My little soldier.
Never forget this sight, soldier.
You must tell others about it.
Let this be the last war
our people had to die in.
I give you my word,
that I will be a true
constitutional king of Serbia.
and that as ruler,
I will strive
for the freedom, peace
and progress of my people.
From this day forth,
as your king,
I'll defend these sacred goals
with my life and my honor.
You have my word!
Don't, you'll drown!
"ON LIBERTY"
by John Stuart Mill
That book...
Where did you get it?
Found it on the road.
Better yet, it found me.
It is innate to
every man to be free.
To be able to fulfill his call,
here on earth.
The way I see it, we're
all free in one way only.
To suffer.
It's title is "On Liberty".
Could you help me out...
I'm glad that this book
was useful to someone.
What else does
that book say?
That liberty is the point
of human existence.
I'm not the man
for that book.
All my life, I've been
free to do as I please.
And I've always made
the worse choices.
-Here you are.
-Thank you.
Back at the time when
they called me Pierre,
I fought at Sedan with my
comrade Francois Messer.
A grenade blew
him to pieces.
But that saved me.
His legs over there, his
head to the other side...
I picked up the pieces
and put them in a sack.
I carried that sack on
my back the whole day.
Looking for the prettiest
place to burry him.
I carried my freedom in a sack.
You wouldn't be King Petar,
would you?
Had someone told me I'd be
smoking with the king...
Troops, turn back!
Fall in!
Atten-tion!
"Way yonder...
Far away from the sea.
There my sweet village lies.
That's where my Serbia awaits.
Way yonder,
where the yellow lemon blooms
That's where the Serbian army
Had to make its way."
"That's where the Serbian
army had to make its way."
After its martyrdom in Albania,
the Serbian Army recovered
on the island of Corfu.
With the Allies, it sealed
the victory in the Great War.
According to the Paris
Peace Conference data
Serbia had lost a third of its population:
1.3 million people.
In the Great War no nation
paid such a price for its freedom.
King Petar I found Makrena
Spasojević's grave after the war.
She died brokenhearted
for the loss of her son.
The King financed a monument
to Makrena and Marinko.
He died on August 16, 1921
as the most beloved Serbian king.
Oh why did I have to face
such a sad, horrible night.
When you, my darling one went off
in a war to fight.
When you, my darling one went off
in a war to fight.
Way yonder...
where the whitest lilies bloom
That's where father and son
met their terrible doom.
That's where father and son
both met their terrible doom.