"Ecce Homo Brâncoveanu" is much more than just a film for our times. It is a true revelation of the contemporary era; historically, morally, religiously, it offers ideas that seem to vanish from our society. In an era of historical manipulation, the film provides an almost completely loyal portrayal of the tragic story of Constantin Brâncoveanu, while also incorporating an extraordinary religious, moral, and philosophical depth, which is rarely found in the seventh art. In a period when Romanian cinema is nothing more than an incoherent circus, "Ecce Homo Brâncoveanu" emerges as a savior of Romanian cinematography, a pillar of it in contemporary terms.
Under the impeccable direction of Dan Pita, who offers both a profound artistic vision and a rarely found mastery, this film is crafted with immense effort, which can only be understood through watching it, but which has yielded extraordinary results. The emotion conveyed sensitizes anyone, thanks to the sensitive ideas it presents.
The screenplay is well-structured, following the last days of the great voivode Constantin Brâncoveanu, from his exile to his cruel and unjust execution. The writers of this screenplay, Alex Molico and Dan Pita himself, have crafted well-defined dramatic characters, with evident principles, a moral and psychological code underscored with mastery, and vertical characters. Indeed, in the case of the younger characters, their characterization is slightly weaker, their principles not being as clearly established, but this is ultimately natural. Brâncoveanu stands out from all other characters; still a voivode, he already seems like a martyr, and being a martyr, he still seems like a voivode. His portrayal is faithful to the historical figure, real. From all points of view, the character exudes a rarely encountered goodness. The antagonist, on the other hand, is the total opposite of the famous voivode. He is almost exaggeratedly diabolical, together with the traitor Mustafa Aga. This antagonist, namely Sultan Ahmed III, is characterized, through all his despicable actions, as a desert of evil, greed, and madness, opposing the oasis represented by Constantin Brancoveanu. These two characters are created in such a way that each is the total opposite of the other, by extension, Wallachia being the total opposite of the Ottoman Empire and vice versa. It is no wonder, therefore, that the main dramatic conflict unfolds between these two characters.
A secondary dramatic conflict arises, of unexpected significance, between Brâncoveanu and Constantin Cantacuzino, and later between Cantacuzino and his son. This provides an original dynamism to the film's viewing, with the action alternating between these two conflicts, with emphasis on the former.
The encountered symbols are absolutely stunning. From Constantin Brancoveanu's rejection of the scarf of a sultan's courtesan, to the iguana that Ahmed III keeps as a pet, to the snake held in Constantin Cantacuzino's hands as he confesses his slyness, to the ants appearing on the voivode's hands, to the blood staining the sultan's face and which he wipes, dirtying his hands with it, (just to name a few), all have a unique impact and an extraordinary emotional, artistic charge. I believe it would take me hours to analyze each symbol, placed with great significance at opportune moments.
The acting is also very good. The main actor, Constantin Puscasu, portrays the voivode in a unique way, yet perfectly loyal to his personality. Every line spoken by him brings Brâncoveanu back to life. The same can be said about every character, with Daniela Nane making Lady Maria seem as alive as ever, and Marius Bodochi playing the sultan excellently, so much so that you cannot tell when the character begins and when the person ends. However, the actors playing Constantin Brancoveanu's sons play rather juvenile, with too much pathos when it is not necessary and too little when it is. This factor does not change the quality of the film at all, but it makes it harder to follow in some sequences.
The costumes are appropriate for the historical period, fitting perfectly, for which we must be grateful to Carmen Moldovan, who designed a wardrobe that is both symbolic and historically accurate. The overall set impresses me, but in some places, it disappoints me as well. It is very well executed - and I praise the effort put into these places - in the forests, in Brancoveanu's palace and in the sultan's palace, in prison and on the execution beach, but the uninspired choice was made to film, in certain short scenes, in the ruins of churches and palaces. Indeed, this decision brings a symbolic value, but it does not destroy historical loyalty, and I am glad that the set designers did not use this pattern in important or numerous scenes.
The music is composed and chosen in such a way that it fits perfectly with the atmospheres created by various moments of the film. The music serves as a factor that brings the viewer into the world of action, transporting them into Brancoveanu's dark cell or standing beside him on the throne, or in the passion-filled palace of the sultan. All compositions bring a perfect emotion, impossible, I believe, to recreate. By blending Turkish and Orthodox music throughout the work, aspects to which the viewer must pay attention are suggested.
Despite my minor observations, the film has incredible value, especially for our times, emanating ideas that we should all keep as laws; steadfastness in faith, patriotism, compassion, and many others. "Ecce Homo Brancoveanu" must be watched with great attention, being a true masterpiece, hard to equal. It has set a new standard for historical dramas that will come after, and I am sure that from now on, all Romanian historical films will be criticized based on this one. Orthodoxy and the homeland merge in the film, seeming to be a single concept, treated with equal interest and love.
In conclusion, "Ecce Homo Brancoveanu" is a new beginning for Romanian cinematography, an aesthetic, chilling resurrection, and simultaneously, paradoxically, reassuring.
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