Five Branded Women

Five Branded Women

Year: 1960

Runtime: 115 mins

Language: English

Director: Martin Ritt

WarDrama

In the turmoil of World War II Yugoslavia, five women who had relationships with German occupiers are subjected to public humiliation and exile by the partisan resistance. Determined to survive, they seize weapons and join the fight, defending themselves against both enemy forces and societal condemnation.

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Timeline & Setting – Five Branded Women (1960)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Five Branded Women (1960). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1943

The story unfolds during 1943, a pivotal year in World War II, marked by intense fighting between Axis forces and resistance groups. The period was characterized by occupation, partisan resistance, and escalating conflicts that shaped the Yugoslavian theater of the war.

Location

Yugoslavia, occupied town, mountain regions

The movie is set in Yugoslavia during World War II, specifically in a German-occupied town and the surrounding mountain regions. This area was a hotspot of partisan resistance and German military operations. The landscape features rugged mountains, forests, and small towns, serving as the backdrop for guerrilla warfare and civilian struggles.

🌍 War zone 🏞️ Mountain terrain 🏘️ Occupied town

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Main Characters – Five Branded Women (1960)

Meet the key characters of Five Branded Women (1960), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ljuba (Jeanne Moreau)

Ljuba is a resilient woman who navigates the complexities of wartime relationships and moral choices. She displays courage and compassion, often acting as a coping figure for herself and her companions. Her interactions reveal her internal struggle with trust and survival.

💪 Survivor 🤝 Loyal 🌸 Compassionate

Reinhardt (Richard Basehart)

Reinhardt is a German officer who faces moral conflict during captivity. Initially representing the occupying force, he reveals a more human side by aiding the women and sharing personal details. His character embodies the ambiguities of war and imperialism.

🧠 Intellectual 🤝 Sympathetic ⚔️ Complex

Jovanka

Jovanka is a fiercely independent woman resistant to political affiliations, preferring to pursue her own form of rebellion. Her defiance and courage are central to the story, especially as she confronts violence and moral dilemmas.

🔥 Rebellious 🧡 Brave 🚶‍♀️ Independent

Velko

Velko is a committed partisan leader who emphasizes discipline and strategic resistance. His protective attitude toward Jovanka and his willingness to sacrifice himself highlight his dedication to the cause.

🛡️ Leader 💔 Sacrificing 🎯 Determined

Daniza

Daniza is a woman marked by suffering and shame, attempting suicide and navigating complex relationships. Her character explores themes of guilt, innocence, and resilience amid wartime trauma.

😔 Guilt 🩸 Fragile 💪 Resilient

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

Major Themes – Five Branded Women (1960)

Explore the central themes of Five Branded Women (1960), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔥 Resistance

The film centers on the resilience and defiance of the women and partisan fighters against occupying German forces. It explores the themes of rebellion, sacrifice, and solidarity, highlighting how individuals resist oppression under brutal circumstances.

💔 Loss and Trauma

Throughout the narrative, characters experience loss on multiple levels, including the death of loved ones, bodily integrity, and innocence. The movie portrays the psychological scars of war, shame, and the moral dilemmas faced by those caught in conflict.

🤝 Unity

A prominent theme is the solidarity among the women and partisan unit, emphasizing collective resistance and mutual support. The story illustrates how shared hardship forges bonds that sustain hope and resilience amidst chaos.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:48

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Five Branded Women Summary

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Five Branded Women Summary

Five Branded Women Timeline

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Five Branded Women Timeline

Five Branded Women Spoiler-Free Summary

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Five Branded Women Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Five Branded Women

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