This is a movie of a forgotten history. During the winter of 1944, the Romanian army was struggling to capture Budapest from the Nazis. After the war, the entire merit of capturing Budapest went to the Soviets, but, in fact, they entered the city only after the Romanians assured the objectives. This movie was regarded as "politically incorrect" in communist Romania soon after it hit the screen. True WW II Romanian veterans know what sacrifices implied the conquest of Budapest. But the communist power later confiscated the victory and they attributed it to the Soviet Army. "Am fost 16" ("We were 16" or better "There were 16 of us") is a story of a platoon whose mission was to keep a strong point in the center of Budapest - they did it heroically and suffered great casualties due to inferior number and infrastructure. The characters are very credible and the actors are among the best Romania had at the time. Sebastian Papaiani, Alexandru Repan and Iurie Darie still are among the most loved ones. The plot is consistent even if some dialogs are obsolete. A good movie, I'd say. Regarding the proportions, I can compare it to "Saving private Ryan". It's an 8/10 in my opinion.
2 Reviews
A meaningless story outside the propaganda's scope
ersbel3 March 2015
A meaningless story outside the propaganda's scope. The Hungarians, as for the last 100 years, are the enemy. So are the Germans, probably Western Germans. The Russians, Soviets, whatever, are allies, but not to be trusted. The Romanians are everything that can be associated with good. They never care if they live or die. They use food only when they have to leave it behind, otherwise, like angels, all they need is some water.
But why do the Romanians fight? Don't they have a family? Yes, but the country is above that. And with the supposed enemy far away from home they still fight in some mystic self defense. They might lack formal military training, but inspired by the holy ghost of nationalism they can move like in the American commando movies. Although Budapest was sacked more than once by the Romanians, the solider puts the watch back into the German's pocket and only takes the weapon. He even risks his life to save the prisoner.
Contact me with Questions, Comments or Suggestions ryitfork @ bitmail.ch
But why do the Romanians fight? Don't they have a family? Yes, but the country is above that. And with the supposed enemy far away from home they still fight in some mystic self defense. They might lack formal military training, but inspired by the holy ghost of nationalism they can move like in the American commando movies. Although Budapest was sacked more than once by the Romanians, the solider puts the watch back into the German's pocket and only takes the weapon. He even risks his life to save the prisoner.
Contact me with Questions, Comments or Suggestions ryitfork @ bitmail.ch
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