After viewing "Warriors" for the first time yesterday, I have to say honestly that, it will probably be a long while before I watch it again.--------------- It's NOT because it's a bad film with poor acting, rotten dialogue, shoddy photography, or lack of storyline/action/drama. NONE of those elements.......because just the OPPOSITE is the case. No. What I think may keep me from seeing this film again for, perhaps, a long while is its stark REALITY. I don't know,maybe it was my mood yesterday, although I felt no particular sadness,dismay,or turmoil in my life whatsoever; but, watching the portrayals of these gallant young soldiers------so fresh-faced, so eager-at-the-start, so inexperienced gave me pause to think about ALL of the victims of war. One conclusion I reached, tho' I already knew and felt it, was how EVERYONE IS A VICTIM in such a situation. There are no WINNERS.--------------------------------The movie made me cry and feel drained afterwards. BUT, it should have!! I'm not ashamed of it. It touched me deeply somehow. It matter-of-factly accounted events occurring in the lives of a small band of comrades sent on a mission to help some poor, starving beleaguered people. Trouble is, none of these unlearned upstarts realize what they are in for-------until REALITY smacks each of them resoundingly in the face-----each in their own individual ways. Each of them is so driven in their own personal approach at the outset,only to see, firsthand, the autrosities and human suffering.---------------------then, to come home again,......where nobody really understands a thing about it AT ALL!!! ----------------------That is what made me respond to the film the way I did, I think. The reality, the trueness, the very proximity of it all. I have to tell all of you that I hope I never forget the tears I shed over this film. They mean something, and they matter, and that's the best tribute I can pay Ioan, or any other actor.

It is indeed a very moving piece, Matie. The gulfs that it shows - between officers and men, soldiers and civilians, those torn by war and those who can only watch from the outside remain very poignant and relevant fifteen years on from that war. Have we really learned anything? is the question I came away from the film with. The portrayals of the 'ordinary' boys from their normal, working calss backgrounds, who discover extraordinary things about themselves and the confident young officers in their almost smug lives who are emotionally brutalised by the orders they have to give and abide by are all so real. SPOILER I found it ironic that it was Lt Feeley - who appeared most to be the army type - who was least able to cope in the end. END SPOILER I'm glad you got to see Ioan in what I believe is one of his finest performances. I believe the production won awards, and rigtly so. The acute chasm between the working lives of soldiers and the isolation they feel when returning home, is only now being given the attention it deserves, and the mental health problems that they suffer as a result, addressed (in the UK, anyway.) It as interesting that the only concern for Feeley's welfare comes from his close comrades. I find the ending not as beak as it might be - there is a ray of hope for comradeship, at least.

I know what you mean, Shipmate, for all my joking around that Ioan looks good in towel (and he DOES look good in it) I can never forget how impressive the mini series is. Were you like me, shouting at tv, "Don't do it!" in the end? I've said it before, but anyone saying that Ioan is not just terrific in those last 5 minutes, just doesn't get it....

I also shed many tears on Warriors and felt drained after watching it. It is such a tragic, and wonderfully acted, directed and scripted movie that you cannot but be touched by it. I think that it depicts the devastating results of the war in former Yugoslavia and what the UN peace units found there much better than many reports or documentaries. Were you like me, shouting at tv, "Don't do it!" in the end? I were.

I've only been able to watch Warriors through YouTube. Even in those bits and pieces and the small screen, it was incredibly effecting. I could understand the Feeley character appearing the one with the most Army mindset and ending up having the hardest time coping. Growing up in a military family, I saw first hand some of the difficult transitions and adjustments families went through when their soldier returned, I know the uncertainies of hearing on the news that a plane went down, and then waiting for days to find out if it might be your father's plane, and few cases finding out that the father of a friend was killed or taken captive. To cope, you buck up, put up defenses and distract your thoughts from the reality, but at some time you have to deal with those emotions that you've stuffed down or it comes out in the form of tramatic stress, excessive alcohol or drug use or abuse of those around you or to yourself. Warriors did a tremendous job showing the effects of war from the perspective of many types of people and how they cope.

I wished they made some 'follow up' series. Like what happened to those soldiers 10 years later. How do they look back? How has it effected their lives? How do they cope? Are they still married etc? Or have certain relationships changed? It would be interesting.

Yes, it would be interesting if a follow-up to this series was produced and we could learn what was of those soldiers 10 years later. I guess it is unlikely it will ever be produced, but who knows? 'Warriors' was filmed years after the events depicted were supposed to take place, so it is still possible that we will see a follow-up.

Excellent idea, Sylviane.

Oh yes,Syl, I heard myself whisper----Oh John, don't!-----isn't that CRAZY?!! So I'm not by myself in thinking this is a stunning and vivid performance by the Boy-o,then?

Yesterday on 16th of April was 15 year anniversary of Ahmići massacre. It story lead to filming of the Warriors. Massacre were conducted by Croats Defends Council HVO. 119 people were brutally slaughtered, mainly elderly, women and children, the youngest victim was a 3 month baby. Dario Kordic and Mario Cerkez were accused and sentenced by UN ICTY (International Criminal Tribunal for former Yugislavia) Dario Kordic is sentenced to twenty-five years’ imprisonment. Mario Cerkez is sentenced to fifteen years’ imprisonment. Do you think it is a small sentence for the crimes committed? http://www.un.org/icty/kordic/trialc/judgement/index.htm

To quote a cliche, hanging's too good for these people. Life imprisonment ought to mean life - preferably with hard labour! What your country has been through is unimaginable for the likes of me, Selma, and fifteen years is no time at all for wounds like yours to heal. Here's hoping there is a brighter future ahead for you and your country; you are in our thoughts on this anniversary :hug

That averages to less than two months served per murder for the fifteen year term. The tragedy continues. That is far from enough. Hugs to you and your family on this anniversary.

Given the crimes committed and the wounds caused to your country, 15 years is no time at all, as Stevie said. I hope, too, there is a brighter future ahead for you and your country, Selma. :hug

The people of your country are to be so admired for their courage. How completely unspeakable that these atrosities go so lightly dismissed

Thanks for all your support, it means a lot. I am grateful that they made Warriors so the truth won't be forgotten. And proud on Ioan who once said that he himself is most proud on this movie and the role of Lt. Feeley in career.