This film was shown as a double feature alongside the newest film by renowned Romanian director Lucian Pintilie (Next Stop Paradise) at the Berlin Film festival 2006, but to me seemed more interesting and technically accomplished than the work of the "grand old man".
It presents a glimpse of the life of Liviu, a twenty-something who is trying to make a living in present-day Romania. It is clear that this isn't exactly easy in a country that seems to be in a moral and economical crisis, but the thing that actually stands in the way of Liviu's future is he himself. Left without orientation after the downfall of the communist dictatorship, he hasn't learned to take responsibility for his actions. In the dream he is having throughout the film, and which is a powerful conclusion to the director's statement - and also one of the most beautiful and poignant endings I have ever seen - Liviu is finally forced to face his own fear of life.
After the screening, I just had to compliment the director for this effort, and tell him that I'd love to see a feature-length film as soon as possible. Thankfully his career has since developed in an admirable way.
It presents a glimpse of the life of Liviu, a twenty-something who is trying to make a living in present-day Romania. It is clear that this isn't exactly easy in a country that seems to be in a moral and economical crisis, but the thing that actually stands in the way of Liviu's future is he himself. Left without orientation after the downfall of the communist dictatorship, he hasn't learned to take responsibility for his actions. In the dream he is having throughout the film, and which is a powerful conclusion to the director's statement - and also one of the most beautiful and poignant endings I have ever seen - Liviu is finally forced to face his own fear of life.
After the screening, I just had to compliment the director for this effort, and tell him that I'd love to see a feature-length film as soon as possible. Thankfully his career has since developed in an admirable way.
