Der Pfeil des Kapitäns John

a novel by Alexandru Mitru. an idyllic hero as Charming Prince. history, love story, intrigues, patriotic emotions - all in skin of Romanian Middle Age, under reign of Vlad Impaler. like many other films of this period, it is a window. for teenagers, for passion for legendary figures of past but, in same time, for the public from Communist East. so, a fairy-tall is perfect option for escape out of reality. And Arow of Captain Ion is an inspired option for this kind of adventure. because it is real good work, in reconstruction of atmosphere, tension, fight scenes and Valentin Găitan is adorable as Ion. sure, it is not Gladiator but can be a testimony. or only fragment from a type of sensitivity. because, after almost forty years, its flavor is unique way to a time in which technology / special effects are not more important front of powerful message of homeland love and patriotic duty.

like many others from the same period. the sins - the dialogues, the didactic script, the fake manner to adapted a good novel, the uninspired style to send the message. patriotic duty and the traitor. the Charming Prince and his impossible love story. fragments from Romanian fairy tales. and the figure of Vlad Țepeș. the story has not rhythm or real purpose. after decades, it is only strange, amusing , almost stupid try of propaganda for education of young people. the obvious good intentions of director and actors are out of reason front to a bad script. sure, it is not an isolated case. but it reminds the spirit of a period.