Once Brothers Film Questions

ESPN’s "Once Brothers" is a documentary film that explores the rise and fall of the Yugoslavian basketball team and the friendship between its star players, Dražen Petrović and Vlade Divac. It provides a unique perspective on the impact of the Yugoslav Wars on international sports and the personal lives of the players involved. Use the film to teach students about the historical context of the Yugoslav Wars, the breakup of Yugoslavia, and the subsequent ethnic tensions. It can also serve as a starting point to discuss how sports can be a unifying force or a reflection of societal divisions.

Use these movie questions to guide students through the film. Answer Key included.

Historical Context: Before watching the film, provide students with background information about the Yugoslav Wars and the breakup of Yugoslavia. Discuss the ethnic and political tensions involved.

Watch the film as a class, pausing at key moments to facilitate discussions and reflection. Encourage students to take notes or write down questions.

After watching the film:

1. Lead students in a class discussion about the impact of the Yugoslav Wars on the players, their relationships, and the overall sports landscape in Yugoslavia.
2. Divide the class into groups and assign each group a specific aspect of the film to research further (e.g., Dražen Petrović's career, the history of the Yugoslavian basketball team, the role of sports in conflict resolution). Have each group present their findings to the class and discuss the connections between the film and the broader historical context. You can also skip the presentations and have students write an essay for their final product.

Remember to consider the appropriateness of the film's content for your specific class and age group and ensure that any sensitive topics are approached with care and sensitivity.