Plot: Once Brothers is a part of ESPN‘s 30 for 30 series and chronicles the tale of two Yugoslavian basketball players – Vlade Divac of Serbia and Drazen Petrović from Croatia. The two players played together for the Yugoslavian national team and were close team mates, especially during their success at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. However, as the Yugoslav Civil War escalated the two grew apart until their relationship was eventually destroyed completely when their respective countries became independent.
Petrović tragically died in a car accident in 1993 and the film mainly focusses on Divac looking back at their story and how he feels regret that they didn’t reconcile before Petrovic’s death.
The film is an enthralling story that offers a fascinating insight into the turbulent world of Yugoslavia and how politics destroyed all aspects of life including friendship and sport.
What the critics said: “ Divac will never get the chance to fully reconcile with Petrovic, but with “Once Brothers,” he lays bare for all to see how much he loves his fallen friend. In the process, he introduces a whole new generation to a truly rare talent, and helps those of us who were lucky enough to see it the first time around find new appreciation for what we witnessed.
Random Quote: “To build a friendship takes years. But to destroy it, it takes one second.”
Sports Film of the Week: 30 for 30 - Once Brothers
Title: 30 for 30 – Once Brothers
Released: 2010
Director: Michael Tolajian
Plot: Once Brothers is a part of ESPN‘s 30 for 30 series and chronicles the tale of two Yugoslavian basketball players – Vlade Divac of Serbia and Drazen Petrović from Croatia. The two players played together for the Yugoslavian national team and were close team mates, especially during their success at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. However, as the Yugoslav Civil War escalated the two grew apart until their relationship was eventually destroyed completely when their respective countries became independent.
Petrović tragically died in a car accident in 1993 and the film mainly focusses on Divac looking back at their story and how he feels regret that they didn’t reconcile before Petrovic’s death.
The film is an enthralling story that offers a fascinating insight into the turbulent world of Yugoslavia and how politics destroyed all aspects of life including friendship and sport.
What the critics said: “ Divac will never get the chance to fully reconcile with Petrovic, but with “Once Brothers,” he lays bare for all to see how much he loves his fallen friend. In the process, he introduces a whole new generation to a truly rare talent, and helps those of us who were lucky enough to see it the first time around find new appreciation for what we witnessed.
Random Quote: “To build a friendship takes years. But to destroy it, it takes one second.”
Arie in t Veld / Vimeo
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