Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, Spartacus ’71 tells the tale of a family’s struggles for survival. Shahid Huda Rumi plays Abdul Karim, who must make agonising decisions to protect his wife and twin sons. In parallel to the Roman slave Spartacus, this family takes a stand against the might of controlling forces.

In order to survive, the family must keep its pro-independence sentiments in check - much to the frustration of the younger generation. The sons’ youthful enthusiasm clashes with the father’s pragmatic approach. The elder son joins a group of freedom fighters. When the younger son is abducted by the enemy Abdul Karim is forced to prioritise loyalty to one son over the other. The theme of betrayal is explored further when the return of the kidnapped son is guaranteed only by Abdul Karim’s daughter-in-law taking his place. The tragedy of this being no choice at all unfolds in the film’s final scenes.

Sometimes harrowing, the film skilfully takes on profound themes played out amidst one family’s tragic experiences.