Lucian's Blog

A dramatic story covering the last years of communism in Romania emerged as one of the greatest surprises in Cannes 2007, some critics saying it might have a chance at Palme d'Or. It's the film of Cristi Mungiu, a director from the young generation of cineasts (including Mitulescu, Porumboiu, Puiu), "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days". The critics stumbled upon a story discovering the hard choices a young student has to take during late 1980's in Romania. She finds out she's pregnant, but her ellected option is not possible, because the state does not allow abortion.

The story captivated the public and the director and the actors were given great showers of applause at the press conference. Yesterday, during the official screening of the film, another shower... Photographs and reporters were also captivated by the presence of Laura Vasiliu, another acting discovery of Cristi Mungiu. She, along with co-star Anamaria Marinca, but also Doroteea Petre ("How Did I Spent The End Of The World", "Rina"), are the acting force imposing Romanian films during last years.

Cristi Mungiu, the director responsible for what the French critics already call "a success", was known untill now for his movie "Occident", depicting the life of young people in the hard years after the 1989 Romanian Revolution. This time he goes back in time to offer us a piece of life threatened by the prospect of losing freedom. The topic tackles an incredible political document issued by the communist authorities, the famous 1966 decree, stating abortion is illegal, unless the life of the mother is in jeopardy. The document produce two or three generations of "decree kids", children not wanted by their parents, but wanted by the political regime. These generations are now the active, hard working gererations that produce a 5% economic growth in today's Romania.

Seen through the eyes of an introvert girl, the story thrills nyone who lived or visited Romania during communism or visits some of the neighborhoods still extant these days, with their grey shades and unwelcoming atmosphere.

The first in a trilogy named "Tales in a Golden Age" (the name given to the Ceausescu era), Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days has achieved much and promises a lot more.

Lucian Dragos