Ruxx

This is a very confusing series from Romania. There is little context as to who the characters are, as from the very start of episode 1, the viewer is dropped into a story that seems to have already been in progress. While the story, and context may unfold in later episodes, the first episode was not compelling enough to sustain interest.

We did not exceed the level of the films of the 90's immediately after the 'revolution' in Romania when after so many years of censorship we felt the need to use in excess: swearing, nudity and sex, all this without any cinematic relevance. We note that in 2022 WOKE also reached Romanian cinema, unfortunately ....

First, I haven't seen Umbre, second here are my two cents.

I say this is Bucharest, at least a part of it. I say this movie - series make one think, question and feel. Some of the language is unnecessary vulgare and some of the scenes Americanized or westernized. But to be truly honest, this is, in my opinion, an honest and cynical representation up until a certain level of how the Romanians are trying to fit in in a modern yet not 100% identifiable version of life. There is a lot of confusion, diffusion, signs of corruption and chaos, powerplay and undergorund life which at first sight seem so random and remote, but they are part of our life, this is a good and uncomfortable reflection all together, especilly with its "kitsch"iness of how lots of us try and succed to fit in, in this new globalized world. Yes, it could have been more flattering in general for Romanians, but its purpose is to make us think and question... everything? Especially women's place and roles in the contemporary times. Not a fan of the new generalized trend of serving a dish of lessons regarding sex orietntation, but at least in this movie I see it as a pretext to challenge prejudices, to extend visions, to pt our tolerability and intelligence to a test.

Last but nit least, I really felt so many, many colours of emotions seeing Bucharest from up above and from a certain distance. A unique place of mixtures, versatility and eclectism (also indulgently embracing the ugly and beautiful of balcanical or not :) kitsch) of making its way, trying its best to "make" it in the absence of the the coherence or the leadership or proper systems which other places in the world benfit of.

Romanian productions typically look like an x-ray of a specific, often exagerated trait of old-world Romanian society, one where young urbanites are either misrepresented or completely absent.

Ruxx finally feels relevant & relatable to us. It's inch-close to our reality and the first show I'd recommend for anyone looking to move or visit, wondering how it's like.

That's how we dress. Those are the places we hang out at. Those are our problems and that's how we handle them.

And low and behold, it's not that different from other places in the world. Turn on Spanish subtitles and you will relate as well.

Finally, a Romanian TV show that's not about a Romanian cliche, but about globally relevant people who just happen to live in Romania.

I loved it, I binged the whole series in one day and I can't wait to spread the word that this series is sooo unexpectedly good.

A fresh, modern, bright and smart collection of images and lines, an excellent cast and a vibrant picture of Bucharest in 2022.

Go see it, after many years we finally have a non dark, sad, bitter and self-pittying Romanian piece of cinema. And also the telenovela vibe is missing, thanks God.

Everything looks so real - this is the way we look, we dress, we speak, we act and relate to the others, in 2022 Bucharest. These are real problems people are facing in 2022 Bucharest.

Excellent, I hope there will be a season 2.