O Carvalho

I' give'it a ten because character Mitica is based on a real life person that happens to be my father(not biological but the person who raised me). My father is a urological surgeon that never took money from his patients (I know sounds unrealistic especially for Romania, but is true). One of his patients was Ion Baiesu, who was really impressed by him so he wrote the short novel "thirty-eight point two" and dedicated him. Also the movie "Mere Rosii" (red apples) is about my father.

If you want to know more just e-mail me at Whitenight2mw on yahoo.

Soryy if my grammar isn't so good.

Society has always been depraved and almost worthless in its general aspects. Now, to look at how people behave during a detention-like state is even more interesting, which swiftly brings me to the following affirmation: living under a dictatorship draws a clear distinction between the elite and the rest. It elevates true values, which unfortunately have to be kept under secrecy due to the paranoid mentality of the government. But the beauty of it, the absolute splendor is to see how these courageous people come together, despite having to sacrifice and risk a lot. I suppose people with similar traits are drawn to one another out of pure instinct.

"Balanta" portrays the destiny of two people who daringly oppose the regime, not for their own fate, but for the fate of those around them who deserve it. Their brave madness is shockingly amusing and thrives within the viewer. Even though playing against the rules can be very tricky, if done according to the (unwritten) book, it can prove extremely rewarding, especially for the spirit. Despite its sometimes eye-brow raising dialogue, Maia Morgenstern and Razvan Vasilescu scratch up reasonably good and humorous performances, pumping adrenaline into the film itself.

The movie is an awe-inspiring tribute to those who could(can) simply not adapt to the nearly psychotic way of life lead by many under totalitarian regimes. Pintile cleverly points out the discrepancies between "actual" normality and the state of things during times when normal becomes strangely unfamiliar. "Balanta" is a worthy picture, especially given its controversial nature.

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.

For a Romanian who has fled Ceausescu's brutality in 1985,this film is not only a revenge but also a proof that even in the darkest political system talent can survive because everyone who is implicated in the creation of this masterpiece(director,screenwriters,actors,crew grew,studied and worked in the "socialist paradise". I have seen the film twice; at first I was a little shocked by its "naturalism" and only later I realized that this was the life for at least 90% of the Romanians. Of course only somebody who grew in a communist country can fully appreciate the film's realism,its brutal black humor but I think the real message transcends this : one must fight for his ideals,there is always hope!