Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "Shok" is a 22-minute live action short film from 2015 written and directed by British filmmaker Jamie Donoughue. However, looking at where this film plays, there is no English language in here, so you will most likely need subtitles. It is the story of two friends living in the Kosovo during wartime. This war is already over for quite a while, but this movie shows that with the right approach and script, it's still very much possible to make (engaging) (short) films about this dark subject. The complicated political and military situations puts the boys' friendship to risk on several occasions, but all that unites them is stronger eventually and goes way beyond the love for bikes when it comes to what they have in common. I think the acting here is solid overall, the fatter kid gives the best performance in the film. It sure is a depressing watch as well, but I guess it still depicts life in Kosovo realistically and death was a crucial component to living in this "country" at that point in time later in the 20th century. All in all, probably not an Oscar-deserving short film, but I don't mind the nomination. In terms of the quality, it is on a similar level like the winner "Stutterer", even if the subjects couldn't be more different. Worth checking out.

film_person007 8.7Rounds up to 8.So simply put this film was close to flawless (except how was the bike just sitting in the middle of the road? they should of put it in a field and had them hiking around to find it just one small thing) however, shouldn't the energy and resources put into film be used to impose justice on the war-crime committed?I'm sure making the film is cathartic but I was left wondering, if this really happened to a friend of mine, I would of spend my entire life trying to find who did that to my friend and get him arrested, tried and convicted for a war-crime. I do really appreciate the talent of the filmmakers, but I'm not sure their efforts in this medium are correct or appropriate given their past circumstances. Again I digress and ask, if they had the means to pull something like this short film off, couldn't they transfuse that same effort and money into imposing justice on the wrongs done in the past which this film depicts?

steviepage A VERY IMPORTANT FILMSHOK is one of the best short films I have ever seen. A story most excellently delivered. Beautifully Directed, shot and acted. A very important film that fulfils the noble task of educating mankind to the plight of the Albanians.I was first exposed to Shok when it was submitted to me as a judge at the 2015 Hollyshorts International Film Festival. Shok won best short film at Hollyshorts and went on to win many other awards. I predicted back in Aug 2015 that Shok would be nominated for an academy award. And I predict now that it will win. I have seen the other 4 nominees and I feel that Shok stands well above the competition. Not only in terms of its flawless delivery but also the importance of a story that the world needs to see and know.sincerelyStephen C Page

MartinHafer Two boys, one Serbian and one Albanian, are friends despite the war and you see about this portion of their lives through a flashback that involves a bicycle. But it's hard to remain friends when the Serbian kid is being pulled one way and the Albanian the other. The climax comes like a brick against your skull and left many in the audience on the verge of tears.I have seen quite a few films about the civil wars that tore Yugoslavia apart. None of them are pleasant and really cannot be. However, this one stands out because the acting by the kids is very nice and the story very well directed and paced. It's hard to pick the best of the five nominees and after a lot of thought, I think this one is best. Will it win the Oscar, I have no idea. As I already mentioned, there are three depressing films (including this one) and they might tend to take votes from each other.I'll be updating this review after the Oscars are announced on February 28th.UPDATE: "Stutterer" took the Oscar for Best Live Action Short.