Backdrop preview Chetniks! backdrop
Chetniks!

Chetniks! (1943)

Jan 11, 1943 1h 13m War Drama

Subtitled The Fighting Guerillas, Chetniks tells the story of Serbian guerilla fighter General Dragoljub "Draža" Mihailović. Based on the General's own memoirs, the film depicts Mihailovitch (played here by Philip Dorn) as a selfless idealist, leading his resistance troops, known as the Chetniks, on one raid after another against the Germans during WW II.

Watch Trailer
Directed by Louis King

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Louis King

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Chetniks! examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Louis King brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1943, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Chetniks! took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 73 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 130 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • The film contains approximately 2259 individual shots.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 1943, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
  • Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Chetniks! shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The John Sullivan Story, which focuses more on action than character development, Chetniks! subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Force 10 from Navarone and Shots in the Sky explore similar territory, Chetniks! stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 11, 1943
  • Runtime: 1h 13m