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4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
* * * 1/2 (out of four)
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by means of Claudia Puig, USA TODAY The subject is a tough one, but 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is credit seeing for the light it sheds on the impact of a totalitarian society on daily life.
This film, set in Romania in 1987 at the height of the dictatorial Ceausescu regime, features impressive performances by the three main characters and powerful naturalistic cinematography.
Two Bucharest university students, who are roommates and good friends, arrange for a clandestine abortion for one of them and have a harrowing meeting with a callous doctor (brilliantly played by Vlad Ivanov). The film takes place over 24 hours, and the sense of tension felt by the lead female characters is palpable.
Otilia (Anamaria Marinca) is a pragmatic, take-charge person who assumes responsibility for the details of the abortion for her pregnant friend, the meek and irresponsible Gabita (Laura Vasiliu). Otilia absorbs her friend’s predicament and also is dealing by her own issues, as well as the paranoia engendered by the oppressive atmosphere. Marinca is terrific. There is a sense of realism and authenticity to her stoic and conflicted character, which draws viewers even more to into the saga. The film’s theme of the lengths to which one will go for friendship is fascinating.
Abortion was illegal in Romania, and deaths from botched procedures were common, so there is mortal risk viewed like well while the risk of being discovered. The women make a deal with Dr. Bebe (Ivanov), which culminates in an excruciating scene.
The film, which won the Golden Palm at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival, is depressing and gut-wrenching, bound always powerful and gripping.
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