“Where Eskimos Live” is a story about the dark side of war. Not that which involves the fighting between nations and soldiers, but rather the darker side that effects the innocent civilians, both young and old, who have no control over their newfound circumstances.
Vlado Petric (magnificently played by the 11 year old Sergiusz Zymelka) is a war orphan who, along with a vagabond group of orphans, has learned to survive on the streets of his war torn country. Life is hard, and each day they are still alive is considered another gift.
Vlado eventually meets Sharkey (Bob Hoskins), a UNICEF worker, who is actively smuggling orphans from Bosnia into Poland with promises of a better life. Sharkey reluctantly agrees to take Vlado with him after the boy’s persistence wears him down.
In addition to the natural hardships endured while trekking across the countryside of a foreign country, the pair are soon plagued by the continual presence of Colonel Vuko (Krzysztof Maichrzak) who is convinced that Sharkey is responsible for the death of his daughter. Unbeknownst to both men is that the roadside bomb, which killed the Colonel’s daughter, was set by the gang that Vlado was a part of in their attempt to steal food and supplies needed for their survival.
It is soon learned that Sharkey isn’t really a UNICEF employee, and his real intentions for smuggling children across the boarder are less than admirable. It is a long trip though, and the more time he spends with the precocious and loveable Vlado, the softer his heart gets.
The burning question though becomes what will the end of the line present the naïve and innocent Vlado: will he find a life of love, joy, and peace, or will it be the worst nightmare of his young life?
Viewer discretion: this film contains violence and strong language.
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