Capra cu trei iezi

The story by Creanga upon which this is based is essential reading in elementary school and a cautionary tale for children which has been adapted many times, perhaps most famously in the rock musical "Mama" (1976). This is a fond memory for many Romanians, so quite a few will be peeved to see it turned into a folk horror piece (like the infinitely worse Winnie the Pooh gore).

But I am from Transylvania and the story made sense in the past as there are many small farms scattered in the countryside which used to be targeted by thieves. Also, there are lots of stories about people turning crazy in our long winters, so this somber uptake is more on point than city dwellers may believe. We invented werewolves, after all (not vampires, they're from Serbia). The finish is how the story actually ends so it's more brutal than Little Red Riding Hood.

Maia Morgenstern is an icon of 1990s cinema, her best known film is probably "The Oak" (1992) by Lucian Pintilie but she hasn't done much in the past years, this is a great comeback for her.

Knowing the story that the movie is based on and knowing the story behind the movie, makes me appreciate this production even more.

The production quality based on the budget is amazing, they really managed to keep us right on the edge with the script and offer us visual comfort through the landscapes and representation of the Romanian countryside household.

It really was refreshing to watch a quality Romanian movie which brought back to the public eye a well known folk story with a powerful message.

And last but not least, the iconic actors were a perfect match for their roles. I would definitely not want to meet with the "wolf" by accident on the streets.

It's a 10 for me!

Saw this movie at the cinema last night with my wife and we wore absolutely mesmerized by the amazing nature shots, the overall mood of this movie. I think this is more than just a horror story, it's a slice of the Romanian life in the mountains in the middle of nature.

I'd categorize this movie in the Folk Horror genre and it's a fresh approach for the romanian cinematography.

As a foreigner you will feel even more intrigued not knowing the centuries old folk story that we wore told as kids from generation to generation.

Enjoy this gem ! And remember: never open the door to a stranger, you'll never know what can happen.

In my case, the kick to see this film was the hard work , the impressive perseverance of Victor Canache to make it. A beautiful effort, two well known Romanian actors, two local boys from village offering a decent job, one , Antonio Gavrila offering a nice surprise for his good acting and inspired music and cinematography.

It is adaptation, faithfull in good way to a so familiar folk story by Ion Creanga. A story absolutely creepy in details, part of many Romanian childhood memories.

I am far to consider this film a masterpiece or be very critic about it. I am doubts than it is a real horror. Yes, the dialogue sounds not so good but , being a familiar one, it is just difficult to impress. But it represents more than good intentions. It is, in essence, a good first step , the potential of Romanian folk literature, fairy tales or balads being just generous.

Is it a orror ? I am not real convinced about this few scenes being more crowned by my smiles.

But it is more than a decent film and, for few reasons, it can be defined as temerary.

It is a honest perspective about social realities, offering decent portrait of single mother of isolated place, the realistic image of alliance relative hoping conquer the heart of widow and, rejected being, his terrible, sadistic revenge.

In some measure, the revenge, against fate, against the answer of woman affecting the ego of pretender, the revenge of painful mother are the basic pieces defining this film.

The good memory, for me, about the film, is represented by the first scenes - the fire affecting the grenary as first sign of a story of sufference.

The kids are just good, maybe better than Maia Morgenstern and Marius Bodochi, captives of their theatral skills and front to not very easy text for its stringency.

Critics - the mixture of pieces of popular clothes from different regions of Romania. The cross on wall, covered by blood and Lupul making a gesture who reminds shfeshtania in Greek Orthhodox confession , having the status very closed by blasphemia in this case.

In hort, with not so reduced reserves, a sort of well done for Victor Canache and his team, for their significant sacrifices to made this film .

One of few romanian horrors, but exceptional. The director knows exactly what he wanted: to show everyone how romanian people were struggling to live everyday, in the 19th century (but no difference even with earlier times), surrounded with traitors and enemies. Even if it's inspired from a romanian story, the caracters are transformed into humans and reveals that we are the most dangerous beings, and human nature goes hand in hand with destruction (and revenge). For a romanian who knows the story, the movie can be boring - i think, BUT, for someone who doesn't - i recommend. It's one of those horrors that u will never forget, even if it's a low budget movie without great effects. It's one for the foreigners, so if u are NOT a romanian, press play, and u won't regret it!!!