4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile

The year 2007 was a significant year in the Romanian film industry, as it saw the release of one of the most impactful films of the decade - "4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile" (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days). This masterpiece of cinema, directed by Cristian Mungiu, tells the story of two Romanian college roommates, Gabita and Otilia, as they go through the harrowing process of obtaining an illegal abortion in 1987 Communist Romania.

The film received numerous awards and accolades, including the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, and it is regarded as one of the greatest films ever made. Its powerful portrayal of the difficulties women faced during the Communist regime, as well as the complex and enduring friendship between Gabita and Otilia, has captivated audiences around the world.

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the significance of "4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile" and its impact on the Romanian film industry. We will explore the historical context of the film and how it sheds light on the oppressive political regime of the time. Additionally, we will discuss the themes of friendship and sacrifice that are so central to the film and how they resonate with audiences today.

Furthermore, we will examine the technical aspects of the film, such as the use of long takes and natural lighting, and how they contribute to the overall tone and mood of the movie. We will also investigate the performances of the lead actresses, Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu, and how they brought their characters to life with such raw emotion and authenticity.

Finally, we will conclude by reflecting on the lasting impact of "4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile" and how it has influenced the Romanian film industry and beyond. This film has left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, and its exploration of difficult and timely themes continues to resonate with audiences today.

In a time where women's reproductive rights are constantly under threat, "4 luni, 3 saptamâni si 2 zile" remains a poignant reminder of the struggles women have faced throughout history. It is a film that demands to be seen and discussed, and we hope this post will inspire you to revisit or discover this cinematic masterpiece.

I'm sure you will also enjoy the following films:

I recently watched the 2007 movie "La Vie en Rose" and I must say, it was a phenomenal experience. The movie, directed by Olivier Dahan, tells the story of the legendary French singer Edith Piaf.

Plot Summary

The movie begins with a young Edith Piaf living in poverty with her street-performing mother in Paris. She is discovered by a nightclub owner and soon becomes a sensation due to her powerful voice and emotional performances. However, her personal life is plagued by tragedy and she struggles with addiction and illness throughout her career.

Strong Points

One of the strongest aspects of this movie is the incredible performance by Marion Cotillard, who portrays Edith Piaf. She completely embodies the character, with her physical transformation and emotional depth. The cinematography is also stunning, with beautiful shots of Paris and intimate close-ups during emotional moments.

Weak Points

One possible weak point of this movie is that it jumps around in time quite a bit, which can be a bit confusing for viewers who are not familiar with Edith Piaf's life story. Additionally, some of the supporting characters are not as fully developed as they could be.

Final Verdict

Overall, I highly recommend "La Vie en Rose" to anyone who appreciates great performances and beautiful cinematography. The movie is an emotional journey that will leave you feeling inspired and moved. The cast is excellent, with standout performances by Marion Cotillard and Sylvie Testud. The music is also fantastic, with many of Edith Piaf's iconic songs woven throughout the story. If you're looking for a movie that will transport you to another time and place, "La Vie en Rose" is definitely worth watching.

As a huge fan of movies, I had the pleasure of watching "The Counterfeiters" released in 2007. The movie was directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky and featured Karl Markovics, August Diehl, and Devid Striesow in leading roles.

Plot Summary

"The Counterfeiters" is based on a true story of Salomon Sorowitsch, a Jewish counterfeiter who is arrested by the Nazis and sent to a concentration camp. There, he is forced to work with a group of other Jewish counterfeiters to forge British and American currency to undermine the economies of the Allied powers.

Impressions of the Movie

"The Counterfeiters" is an incredibly gripping movie that delves deep into the horrors of the Holocaust. The movie is intense, emotional, and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

Strong Points

One of the most impressive aspects of "The Counterfeiters" is its ability to capture the sheer brutality and hopelessness of the concentration camps. The movie is unflinching in its depiction of the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and it is a stark reminder of the horrors that took place during World War II.

Another strong point of the movie is the cast. Karl Markovics delivers a powerful performance as Sorowitsch, and his portrayal of a man struggling to survive in the face of such adversity is both moving and compelling. The supporting cast is also excellent, with August Diehl and Devid Striesow delivering standout performances.

Weak Points

One potential weak point of the movie is that it can be quite intense and emotionally draining. Some viewers may find it difficult to watch due to the graphic nature of some scenes.

Personal Opinion

Overall, I highly recommend "The Counterfeiters" to anyone who is interested in World War II history or is a fan of powerful dramas. The movie is masterfully directed, expertly acted, and emotionally impactful. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

"The Edge of Heaven" is a 2007 German-Turkish drama film directed by Fatih Akin. The film tells the story of six characters whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways.

Plot Summary

The film is divided into three chapters, each focusing on different characters. The first chapter introduces us to Ali, a Turkish immigrant living in Germany who is estranged from his son. Ali befriends a prostitute named Yeter and offers to pay her to live with him and be his companion. Yeter agrees, but things take a dark turn when Ali becomes violent and accidentally kills her.

The second chapter focuses on Yeter's daughter, Ayten, a political activist who flees to Germany to escape persecution in Turkey. Ayten meets and falls in love with a German student named Lotte, but their relationship is cut short when Ayten is deported back to Turkey.

The final chapter brings together all the characters as Lotte travels to Turkey to search for Ayten. She meets Nejat, Ali's son, who is now a professor teaching in Istanbul. Nejat takes Lotte in and helps her search for Ayten, leading to a series of unexpected revelations and confrontations.

Impressions

"The Edge of Heaven" is a haunting and powerful film that explores themes of love, loss, and identity. Director Fatih Akin masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a complex and nuanced portrait of modern-day Germany and Turkey.

One of the film's strongest points is its cast. The actors all give nuanced and compelling performances, especially Nurgül Yesilçay as Ayten and Baki Davrak as Nejat. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their interactions feel authentic and genuine.

Another strength of the film is its cinematography. Akin uses a variety of visual techniques, including slow-motion and handheld camera work, to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The film's muted color palette and stark lighting also add to its haunting and atmospheric tone.

However, "The Edge of Heaven" is not without its weaknesses. The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some of the characters' motivations are not always clear. Additionally, the film's ending may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied or confused.

Overall, "The Edge of Heaven" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant film that is well worth watching. Its exploration of complex themes and its strong performances make it a standout in the world of international cinema.

Persepolis - A Captivating Story Told with Stunning Visuals

Persepolis is a 2007 animated movie that tells the story of Marjane Satrapi, a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. The movie is based on Satrapi's graphic novel of the same name, which she also co-directed with Vincent Paronnaud. As a movie expert with expertise in directing and cinematography, I was blown away by the way this movie brings the graphic novel to life with stunning visuals and a captivating story.

Plot Summary

The movie follows Marjane's journey from her childhood in Iran, where she witnesses the changes brought on by the Islamic Revolution, to her teenage years in Vienna, Austria, where she struggles to fit in as an Iranian immigrant. Along the way, she experiences love, loss, and the complexities of identity as she navigates her way through different cultures and political realities.

Visuals and Animation

One of the strongest points of Persepolis is its stunning visuals and animation. The use of black and white animation adds to the starkness of the story and the oppressive political climate in Iran. The visuals are also incredibly expressive, conveying a wide range of emotions and capturing the essence of Satrapi's graphic novel.

Storytelling

The storytelling in Persepolis is equally impressive. The movie manages to balance heavy political themes with more personal, intimate moments, creating a well-rounded and engaging story. The movie is also peppered with humor, which helps to break up some of the more intense moments and keep the audience engaged.

Cast

The cast of Persepolis is also noteworthy. The voice acting is excellent, with Chiara Mastroianni delivering a standout performance as Marjane. The cast also includes Catherine Deneuve, Sean Penn, and Gena Rowlands, among others, all of whom bring their A-game to their roles.

Overall Impression

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with Persepolis. The way the movie brings the graphic novel to life with stunning visuals and a captivating story is truly remarkable. The movie manages to tackle complex political themes while still connecting with the audience on a personal level. The cast is excellent, and the animation is top-notch. If you haven't seen Persepolis yet, I highly recommend it.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly: A Masterful Display of Directing and Cinematography

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a 2007 release that is nothing short of a masterful display of directing and cinematography. Directed by Julian Schnabel, this French biographical drama is based on the memoir of the same name by Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French journalist and editor who suffered a stroke that left him with locked-in syndrome.

The Plot

The movie starts with Bauby waking up from a coma, only to realize that he cannot move any part of his body except for one eye. Using this eye, he communicates with everyone around him and navigates through his own thoughts and memories. We get a glimpse into his life before the stroke, his relationship with his children and ex-wife, and his work as a journalist. Throughout the movie, we witness the struggles and triumphs of Bauby as he adapts to his new life, finds ways to communicate, and ultimately writes a book using only his eye.

Impressions

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a breathtaking movie that is both visually stunning and emotionally stirring. Schnabel's directing is nothing short of brilliant, as he uses unconventional techniques to convey Bauby's thoughts and feelings. The cinematography is also exceptional, with each shot carefully crafted to evoke a specific emotion or mood.

One of the strongest points of the movie is the cast. Mathieu Amalric delivers a powerful performance as Bauby, perfectly capturing the frustration, despair, and hope that comes with locked-in syndrome. The supporting cast is also exceptional, with Emmanuelle Seigner playing Bauby's ex-wife and Marie-Josée Croze as his speech therapist.

Another strong point of the movie is the way it portrays the human spirit. Despite his physical limitations, Bauby never loses his sense of humor, his love for life, or his desire to communicate with others. The movie is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the mind.

Weak Points

One weak point of the movie is its pacing. At times, the movie can feel slow and even repetitive, as we see Bauby struggle to communicate and adapt to his new life. However, this can also be seen as a deliberate choice by Schnabel to convey the monotony and frustration of Bauby's life.

Overall, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a movie that is not to be missed. It is a stunning display of directing and cinematography that tells a powerful story about the human spirit. It is a movie that will leave you with a sense of awe and appreciation for life.