Kosovo War Echoes in Coming-of-Age Drama

Blerta Basholli's "Dua" explores the lives of Kosovar Albanian teenagers in the late 1990s, drawing from the director's own experiences during the Kosovo War.

The film focuses on 13-year-old Dua and her transition into adolescence, set against the backdrop of conflict and discrimination. Basholli uses a subjective camera perspective, often locking into Dua's point of view, which proves both absorbing and alienating.

Radio broadcasts hint at geopolitical developments, but the film's power lies in its implication of violence just outside the frame. Dua experiences ethnic slurs and harassment from Serbian boys and men, complicating her search for her first kiss and first period.

With the help of a refugee classmate, Dua trains in judo to defend herself. However, her unchanneled anger creates new dangers for her family. The film's naturalistic tone and fragmented, memory-like structure contribute to its unique, albeit sometimes disjointed, narrative.

Cinematography captures family scenes in long takes, emphasizing Dua's place within a larger portrait of individuals fighting their own battles. Despite its strengths, "Dua" is described as a good film that stops short of greatness, effectively re-creating moments from the past.