Warning! Subtitles Ahead! The point of #97 is to expose myself to film from outside my comfort area. And since I've never been to Romania, my first foreign film pick 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days was an excellent choice.
The movie traces the efforts of two college girls in Romania who are trying to obtain an illegal abortion for one of them. This takes place in 1987 when Romania was still under Communist rule. Needless to say it isn't easy. First, there is coming up with the money, then finding and paying for a hotel - where comings and goings are closely & governmentally monitored. After that there is the dealing with the "doctor" - who, among other things, demands sex from both girls. Not to mention undergoing surgery in a flea bag hotel. Plus, the guy simply does the procedure and leaves. Leaving the girls to deal with the delivery (which could take up to 24 hours) and disposal of the aborted fetus. As well as any possible medical complications that could arise.
Not exactly fun family fare, but I can see why it ended up on many critics' Top 10 of 2007 lists. And why it won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. It is an excellent movie. Other than the first Godfather I can't recall another movie which does not have a "I'm watching a movie" moment. You know where you get jarred out of your movie watching cocoon and your willing suspension of disbelief becomes unwilling - even if just for a moment.
That didn't happen here. Helped by some hand-held camera work the movie has almost a documentary feel. And I also credit some top-notch performances by the three principal actors - especially Vlad Ivanov as the abortionist.
Bottom line: Not for everyone, but if you can stand the subject matter, then it is well-made, well-written, and well-acted thought-provoking cinema. 5 TKs out of 5.
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