Review of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) by Jay R — 05 Dec 2009

A devastating tale of a girl attempting to get an abortion during a time when it was illegal. Christian Mungiu gives masterful direction using very extended and complex scenes in one cut to make you feel the tension building up.

The movie has the gift of well crafted conversations. Now this screenwriting could have easily been said and still have its power, but Mungiu decides to do most of the main scenes in one take, whether it be 5 or even 15 minutes.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is terrifying because its there, and its in your face. The performances are all shocking. Laura Vasiliu is brilliant as the one being "operated" on as her very fragile and innocent character is put through hell.

Anamaria Marinca however is the point of focus as the roommate who decides to help. The situations are achingly human and the takes are so extended you can actually feel the characters feelings whether it be discomfort, worry or annoyance.

The scenes are complex and I can only imagine how long it took to get them right with how long they were. My only reservation with this movie is its slow pacing. I would have preferred it picked up a bit faster.

But I digress. This is a haunting movie and disturbing for all who watch this in particular the women of course. It perfectly captures the complexity of an abortion in that time, the complications that go along with it and how it affects people before, during and after it happens.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a triumph because if its extended takes (much like Alfonso Cuaron in Children of Men), its mature sense and its high believability. Thumbs way up!