The Battle of Neretva Poster

The Battle of Neretva 1969

★ 6.855 votes175 min📅 1969-10-07

Directed by Veljko Bulajić, *The Battle of Neretva (1969)* is a gripping wartime drama that plunges viewers into the desperate struggle of Yugoslav Partisans against the German army in 1943.

Director: Veljko Bulajić

Cast

Yul Brynner
Yul Brynner
Vlado
Franco Nero
Franco Nero
Capitano Michele Rossi
Curd Jürgens
Curd Jürgens
General Lohring
Hardy Krüger
Hardy Krüger
Oberst Krenzer
Sylva Koscina
Sylva Koscina
Danica
Orson Welles
Orson Welles
Četnik
Anthony Dawson
Anthony Dawson
General Morelli
Sergey Bondarchuk
Sergey Bondarchuk
Martin
Velimir Živojinović
Velimir Živojinović
Stole
Milena Dravić
Milena Dravić
Nada

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Battle of Neretva (1969) about?

Set in 1943, the film follows Yugoslav Partisans as they desperately fight against a German offensive in Western Bosnia. With their backs to the wall and refugees in tow, their only hope lies in crossing the Neretva River—a mission that pits them against both enemy forces and the unforgiving terrain.

Who directed The Battle of Neretva?

The movie was directed by Veljko Bulajić, a celebrated filmmaker known for his powerful portrayals of historical events and human resilience.

Who stars in The Battle of Neretva?

The all-star cast includes Yul Brynner, Franco Nero, Curd Jürgens, Hardy Krüger, Sylva Koscina, and Orson Welles.

Is The Battle of Neretva (1969) worth watching?

As a sweeping war drama with an A-list cast and ambitious storytelling, *The Battle of Neretva* offers both spectacle and substance. While it isn't widely rated on IMDb, its epic scale and historical gravity make it a compelling watch for fans of classic war films.

How long is The Battle of Neretva?

The film runs for 175 minutes—just under three hours of intense wartime drama.

🎥 Trailer

About The Battle of Neretva (1969) — A WWII saga of courage and survival on the Neretva River

Directed by Veljko Bulajić, *The Battle of Neretva (1969)* is a gripping wartime drama that plunges viewers into the desperate struggle of Yugoslav Partisans against the German army in 1943. As Nazi forces launch a brutal offensive in Western Bosnia, the Partisans face annihilation—unless they can secure a fragile lifeline across the Neretva River. The film weaves together large-scale battle sequences with intimate human drama, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the cost of resistance in the face of overwhelming odds. With a tone that balances urgency and gravitas, it delivers a visceral portrait of wartime heroism and the indomitable will to survive.

Starring an ensemble cast that includes Yul Brynner, Franco Nero, and Orson Welles, *The Battle of Neretva* blends historical intensity with cinematic spectacle. The movie's sweeping visuals and emotional depth make it a standout in the war-drama genre, offering both an epic military narrative and a poignant reflection on the human spirit in the darkest of times.