There have been a lot of movies lately based on the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. One common feature all of them lacked, including the critically acclaimed Joy Jatra, is an interesting plot with a detailed narrative. In all of these movies the war and the sorrow of the victims were the main focus and it overshadowed the storyline. As if the makers thought "well, this is a war movie. So it really doesn't need a good story. All it needs is some screaming, heartless murder and cool explosion." While this strategy may satisfy the audience for the moment it is sure to fail to leave a deep impression in the minds of thoughtful viewers.
This is where Guerrilla was different. It knew its limitations. It knew it does not have the budget or technology to create a intensified battle sequence. So it invested on the storyline, it invested on the acting and creating some nerve wrecking moments. It didn't try to be overly educative or informative. It tried to be entertaining. And guess what, it succeed beyond expectation.
The plot was fairly new, has enough pace and a few twist here and there to keep you engaged. Its nothing you can't predict before hand but it will still entertain you. It took time to develop the main characters which is a very important aspect that was missing from the recent war movies.
As for the acting, Joya Ahsan did a very good job portraying the wife of the missing engineer. You can see how much committed she was to the character and it payed well.Nothing exceptional from the other actors but they all delivered what was needed.
I felt the makers could do a little more with the Cinematography and editing. Some background music were rather odd and the explosions and gun shots should have been a little more realistic. As any other Bangla movie the dialog is too cheesy but the actors made it work. As a contemporary war movie i expected more of tactical urban guerrilla warfare but... well, guess i just have to wait (why don't the makers consult with a guerrilla fight specialist before writing the screenplay??)
Overall Guerrilla is a nice addition to the summer movies of this year. it is also a step made forward for war movies of Bangladesh.Go watch this movie, you wont be disappointed.
