Balanta

Lucian Pintilie finds a remarkable balance between bitter ironic comedy and unflinching political analysis in this breathtaking film. This is a key work in the "post cold war" era that should be seen by anyone who really appreciates the art and craft of cinema. This is a narrative of our time, told with bold, brave abandoned. The screenplay is one of the best of the 1990's and the performances are flawless. The film's actual rootedness in Romainian politics and culture is refreshing in an era of often compromised Euro-co-productions. It is this specificity that actually opens the door to "universal" themes and values.

At the time I read the book the film is based on, it was a reflection of the reality surrounding us, in Romania, therefore after the first print it was banned by the Ceausescu's communist regime. As time went by, I emigrated in the US, and seen the movie 10 years after I've read the book and although the movie supposedly is a fiction, it played like a documentary in front of my eyes. It is hard, as a Romanian, to disconnect from my personal experiences, but if anybody is interested in what the communism in Romania was like, this movie is the way to find out. The tragic and the comedy are coming together to weave the fabric of a society so sick, that life becomes surreal. For my money this is a great movie, the fresco of a society governed by rules unknown to civilization.

The second Pintilie movie I have seen recently (thanks to Duna TV) and even better than the previous one (O Vara de neuitat): a great movie indeed! This is the Romanian version of Kusturica's Underground, or perhaps I should I say the opposite, since Balanta is actually an earlier piece. The fast-paced, furious story packed with bitter irony and surrealistic moments (well, the closer you live to the country, the less surrealistic they are: comments from people living in Ceausescu's Romania state that the film has nothing "unreal" in it) captures the essence of one of the darker dictatorships of the former Communist Bloc, where the harshness of oppression is softened only by the corruption of the society. Just like Kusturica in Underground, Pintilie presents a very critical picture of the society but at the same time he clearly shows his sympathy towards his suffering but talented and charming nation. All in all: stunning pictures, perfect acting and shocking scenes combine in Balanta for a perfect piece of cinema.

This is the opposite of a Hollywood movie. This is a piece of reality and there is nothing glamorous about it. That's what makes "The Oak" a great movie, an experience to remember.

I am Romanian and I avoided this movie when I was in Romania, because of its subject. Last weekend, I found it in a video store in Seattle and I had to rent it. I am very glad I did and recommend it to all the European film lovers. It will give you an idea (in case you didn't experience it yourself) of what living under the communism meant, with all the pain, frustration and the happier moments.

This film would have been one of the greatest ever if only the actors spoke more naturally! It's extremely strange to hear such talented actors (Maia Morgenstern, Razvan Dumitrescu and a few others) throw their lines with almost the same intonation every time. I don't know how the great director Pintilie accepted that (or is there some 'hidden' symbol in that?). First I have read the excellent novel by Ion Baiesu (one of my favorite authors when it comes to humor), and I was thrilled by its real feel, biting satire and cruel situations. It has memorable characters and formidable dark humor. So the film was a little disappointing for me, but it's still a 'must re-watch' any time. A special note for the cameos by Victor Rebengiuc and Dorel Visan, two of the best actors I've ever seen.