July 3, 2009
This is one of those films that are so realistic in its portrayal of a very sensitive subject. I had to stop the video many times because of that queasy feeling of discomfort it gave me.
First off, this was set in Romania in the late 1980s when it was still under Communist control. This adds a further sense of tension and desperation to the already tense situation on hand. The whole movie spans only one day in the life of Otilia and Gabita, the fateful day of Gabita's abortion under the cheaper but ruthless (and ironically named) Mr. Bebe.
Yes, this film is about abortion -- a most heinous crime. I did not have any idea that this would be the topic. I know a lot of people would probably stop watching once that situation has been established. The film handled this issue so subtly such that you are already in the middle of it before you realize what it was really about. By then though, it has already captured your attention with the awkward situation where the two lead characters have brought upon themselves.
The movie's tagline says it all. How far would you go for a friend? Otilia was not the one having the abortion. It was her roommate and friend, Gabita. Yet the movie was told in Otilia's point of view as she did all the leg work for her friend, and then some. All this time, she was also battling demons of her own, yet there she was for Gabita. By the time you reach the unforgettable final frame of the whole film, you can "hear" the look on Otilia's face as a cry for help. Amazing ending. Fantastic acting by Ms. Anamaria Marinca.
The way the director/writer Cristian Mungiu told this uncomfortable story is compelling. It was as if I was in that hotel room while the evil deeds were being done. It was very difficult indeed to be a witness to all that and remain detached. However, it never went overboard and it kept its focus tight. It straddled between reality and fiction, dripping with raw emotion and tension, without being excessively exploitative. The way the story was told made the difference between what could be a disgusting movie and art. It succeeds to be a very satisfying (although definitely NOT entertaining) experience for the viewer.
