The Battle of Neretva

The Battle of Neretva is known as the ''fourth offensive,'' the most humane battle in World War II led by Yugoslav partisans. In January 1943 the German army, afraid of an Allied invasion of the Balkans, launched a great offensive against the Yugoslav partisans in Western Bosnia. They encircled the mountain and begin a mop up operation. Outgunned and outnumbered, the partisans must not only defend themselves, but try to protect thousands of refugees too. The large German force advances towards the only remaining bridge over the Neretva river, through which the partisans intend to escape and evacuate the wounded into free territory. The supreme headquarters orders the bridge to be demolished, but it is just a foolish ruse to weaken the enemy forces on the other side of the river. The movie Battle of Neretva is one of the most famous productions by the Yugoslav film industry.