Review of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) by James T — 11 Oct 2009

This is one of the most powerful and emotive films I've ever seen. Obviously, no film about abortion in CeauÅ?escu's Romania is going to be an easy watch, and this film makes absolutely no attempt to comfort the viewer in any way, but if you can get over that, there is so much to admire in this film.

From a technical point of view, the film looks brilliant with superb cinematography and direction throughout. The lead, Anamaria Marinca, gives one of the most impressive performances I have ever seen, and she is just the pinnacle of a film that features great acting throughout, although they are helped by a writer and director who have a full understanding of the meaning of characterization.

The greatest success of the film in that it does not judge in any way, whether it be the motives and actions of its characters, the rights and wrongs of abortion, or of communism itself. It is, in the end, a fantastic depiction of the friendship of two young women, and the strains that life puts upon it.

So many good films seem to be coming out of Romania in particular, and eastern Europe in general at the moment, and this sits at the very top of the pile. Apparently this is the first part of a planned trilogy, and I for one will not hesitate to watch the next two episodes.

Simply put, I cannot recommend this film enough.