Kyra Kyralina

the atmosphere is the key of a decent adaptation of the novel by Panait Istrati. in same measure, the music and costumes. few good performances- Iulia Dumitru, Mircea Rusu, surprising Ștefan Iancu. magic as ingredient for intensive the flavor of a story who seems be collection of colored pieces.mysteries, violence, traces of eastern. and, sure, Brăila. the accuracy in the limit of a film who seems be homage to the universe of Istrati is not the best part because the fantastic part remains easy solution for conquer a large public but not the most inspired option for respect the literary source. so, one of the Romanian films looking the right key of success. with same clichés and drops of eroticism, it is a decent adaptation and, in same measure, another example of the difficulty to translate, in the right manner, of the work of Panait Istrati.

Watching this movie is pure torture. It has very little to do with the book, sometimes it's just nonsensical, things don't add up and the actors with very few exceptions play very badly. The music is okish, but very repetitive. Overall it seems that they ran out of money and talent halfway through the movie.

I haven't read the book so maybe I'm just missing the full picture, but the story feels a bit silly and the characters do a lot of nonsensical stuff. The mother especially seems to completely lack any trace of self preservation and common sense. I can't complain about the acting, imho most actors are doing their job well (especially the main leads).

However, this movie is visually stunning and a pleasure for the eyes: locations, costumes, etc. Everything is very well done. I can't say I haven't enjoyed the movie though, it's oddly alluring despite some flaws and at least is different from the usual Netflix soup.