4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
I've never watched a Romanian film, nor am I particularly familiar with the socio-political history. Nevertheless, even without any back history, one can readily see the sort of environment in which this film is set. We follow the tale of two girls, Gabita and Otilia, students in late 80s Romania, who are preparing for a journey, the subject of which is never mentioned out loud. They barter for money, cigarettes, even tic-tacs. We are shown their acceptance of the bartering as a part of their lives, as is the constant need for their ID cards, a significant fact that has relevance later in the film. The oppressive atmosphere is as distinct as the colour palette Mungiu uses is faded. This is a film of dirty browns, dusky greens, and muddy yellows. The manner in which it is shot varies wildly, and is instrumental in forcing (without seeming forced) that oppressive atmosphere on us as the 21st century international audience, so we feel that oppression too. There are many long, still takes. The stillness is a key theme explored in the middle scenes - it allows us to focus on the characters, their setting, their interactions. Interspersed with this stillness is a handheld camera style worthy of Greengrass. The wildness of those shots reflects the frantic emotional state of the characters during those scenes. We too are buoyed along by these takes, utterly wrapped up in their emotions. Continuing the idea of the oppressive atmosphere, we have cramped settings for much of the film - the tiny dorm room; the crowded bus; the table full of Otilia's boyfriend's family; the hotel room - all seek to suffocate the viewer.
Yet none of this is a bad thing. It is a background tapestry of sensations on which to lay the main story. Gabita is pregnant, and is seeking a highly illegal and dangerous abortion. She and Otilia travel to a hotel to this end. That is almost all the story there is. Nevertheless, it is the manner in which the story is told, the setting in which it is told, and what happens before, during, and after the central event that makes this such a captivating, and emotionally-involving story.
It's possibly not a film I'll want to watch many times. It's not a film that everyone would choose to see, but it is a film that everyone should see. If you've missed it at the cinema - and I think it's finished at most places now - then certainly catch it on DVD, especially if you have one of these online rental monthly services.
The Acting - 9/10: The characters are utterly believable. Admittedly, it does help that I have no knowledge of them in other films with which to otherwise identify them, but the subtle facial expressions are perfect.
The Look - 10/10: This is, as mentioned above, a film that I can only imagine captures an era - and a politically significant one I have since read. Whether it is accurate or not, it paints a vivid world - vivid through its muted colours - of oppression, but of personal battles within that oppression.
The Sound - 8/10: Another film, as far as I recall, that once more is devoid of music until the credits. Again, i find this approach works exceptionally well, dependent on the material with which it is being used.
The Story - 10/10: An essential story that everyone should watch, even if just the once.
Success of Intent - 10/10: I'll be searching out other Romanian films if this is representative of the 'New Wave' S&S mention. The Death of Mr Lazarescu is a recent one I've at least heard about!
Overall - 47/50, or:
94%
I've never watched a Romanian film, nor am I particularly familiar with the socio-political history. Nevertheless, even without any back history, one can readily see the sort of environment in which this film is set. We follow the tale of two girls, Gabita and Otilia, students in late 80s Romania, who are preparing for a journey, the subject of which is never mentioned out loud. They barter for money, cigarettes, even tic-tacs. We are shown their acceptance of the bartering as a part of their lives, as is the constant need for their ID cards, a significant fact that has relevance later in the film. The oppressive atmosphere is as distinct as the colour palette Mungiu uses is faded. This is a film of dirty browns, dusky greens, and muddy yellows. The manner in which it is shot varies wildly, and is instrumental in forcing (without seeming forced) that oppressive atmosphere on us as the 21st century international audience, so we feel that oppression too. There are many long, still takes. The stillness is a key theme explored in the middle scenes - it allows us to focus on the characters, their setting, their interactions. Interspersed with this stillness is a handheld camera style worthy of Greengrass. The wildness of those shots reflects the frantic emotional state of the characters during those scenes. We too are buoyed along by these takes, utterly wrapped up in their emotions. Continuing the idea of the oppressive atmosphere, we have cramped settings for much of the film - the tiny dorm room; the crowded bus; the table full of Otilia's boyfriend's family; the hotel room - all seek to suffocate the viewer.
Yet none of this is a bad thing. It is a background tapestry of sensations on which to lay the main story. Gabita is pregnant, and is seeking a highly illegal and dangerous abortion. She and Otilia travel to a hotel to this end. That is almost all the story there is. Nevertheless, it is the manner in which the story is told, the setting in which it is told, and what happens before, during, and after the central event that makes this such a captivating, and emotionally-involving story.
It's possibly not a film I'll want to watch many times. It's not a film that everyone would choose to see, but it is a film that everyone should see. If you've missed it at the cinema - and I think it's finished at most places now - then certainly catch it on DVD, especially if you have one of these online rental monthly services.
The Acting - 9/10: The characters are utterly believable. Admittedly, it does help that I have no knowledge of them in other films with which to otherwise identify them, but the subtle facial expressions are perfect.
The Look - 10/10: This is, as mentioned above, a film that I can only imagine captures an era - and a politically significant one I have since read. Whether it is accurate or not, it paints a vivid world - vivid through its muted colours - of oppression, but of personal battles within that oppression.
The Sound - 8/10: Another film, as far as I recall, that once more is devoid of music until the credits. Again, i find this approach works exceptionally well, dependent on the material with which it is being used.
The Story - 10/10: An essential story that everyone should watch, even if just the once.
Success of Intent - 10/10: I'll be searching out other Romanian films if this is representative of the 'New Wave' S&S mention. The Death of Mr Lazarescu is a recent one I've at least heard about!
Overall - 47/50, or: