dawirim

Balaur (2021)

A successful thriller

A very well written and well made film. I only say well done and not perfect because it felt a bit too long. Maybe an extra dynamism would have made it much more attractive. But besides this, I can say that I really liked it. It managed to capture my attention and kept me in suspense till the end. Congratulations to the whole team!

I want to refer particularly on the actors. The two boys Florin (Voicu Dumitras) and especially Iuliu (Sergiu Smerea) are very good. They succeed in roles in which they are natural, deeply assumed, believable. They leave the impression in everything they do that there's a connection between them and the director, with the help of which he's been able to convey to them what he wants from them, and they feel comfortable with the lessons learned, so to speak. Good for them!

I don't want to end without mentioning the main actress: Mãlina Manovici, who practically carries all the burden of this film, plays an extraordinary role here that can be a good example for any acting student. And in her case, as with the boys, there is a good collaboration with the director, with whom she managed to create memorable moments. I just want to mention the scene in the principal's office which I really liked and which shows that you can write good dialogues that give the actors the opportunity to act something worth watching. Bravo, Gabriel Spahiu, Richard Bovnoczki and Mãlina Manovici!

Also, wonderful frame with the two doors and the crucifix between them. Bravo! I wonder if those two doors really exist or were specially made. Anyway, awesome.

I'll say now what I didn't like: I don't like the title and I don't think it helps the movie, on the contrary. It probably means something. I didn't understand what, but... well, that's the filmmakers' option. A lot of scenes that could be missing and so maybe it would have been a little more dynamic.

I can't say anything about the cinematography, editing, production design, nothing caught my eye because I was stolen by the story, so everything is fine.

What a pity that there are so few good films. This one is a drop in the ocean of bad Romanian films produced in recent years. Unfortunately, those movies have ruined the mood for cinema for the majority of Romanian viewers.

Congratulations, everyone!