Review of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) by Ricardo O — 25 Feb 2010

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is an excruciatingly intense drama set in Bucharest in 1987, as Nicolae Ceaucescu and his evil dictatorship continue to reign. In a country where abortion is outlawed, a young college student, Gabita (Laura Vasiliu), finds herself in big trouble. She is pregnant and doesn't want to have it. Unsure what to do, she turns to her roommate, Otilia (Anamaria Marinca), for help. On the day on which the film takes place, the pair connects with a black market doctor, Bebe (Vlad Ivanov), in order to take care of Gabitaâ??s pregnancy--but, of course, it isnâ??t that simple. The resulting 24 hours reveals a tormenting descent into a world in which the possibility of tragedy lurks around every corner.

Christian Mungiu's direction is brilliant. His decision to film every scene with long, unbroken takes, brings up the tension to nearly unbearable proportions. His decision to focus on the friend, not the victim is what makes the film all the more powerful. The three performances in the film are really powerful especially that of Vlad Ivanov and Anamaria Marinca. Marincaâ??s face, filmed in unflinching close-ups, expresses the impossibly complex flood of emotions that persistently torments her throughout the day. Ivanov's portrayal of the shady doctor who asks for sex instead of money for his deeds is an absolute tour-de-force. The cinematography is also fantastic bringing all kinds of realism to the shots.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a challenging, uncompromising and fascinating film that may not be for everyone. It was a visceral and emotionally draining experience watching this film. I will definitely plan on buying the DVD one of these days. A truly great film. 10/10.