"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.
Review of Shok
