Synopsis
Foreword: One of the most distinctive Romanian films of the 1980s, directed by Mircea Veroiu, who transforms an ideological subject into a stylized and melancholic cinematic experience. The film follows two young people living in hiding in interwar Romania and is noted for its visual composition, poetic rhythm, and acting performances.
Directed by: Mircea Veroiu
Script by: Anghel Mora
Cast: Gheorghe Visu, Claudiu Bleonț, Marcel Iureș, Tora Vasilescu, Dragoș Pîslaru, Mariana Buruiană, Virgil Andriescu, Mircea Anghelescu
Producer: Ion Iuga-Lozinești (Casa de Filme 4)
Cinematography by: Doru Mitran
Edited by: Mircea Ciocaltei
Sound: Silviu Camil
Music: Adrian Enescu
Year: 1984
Category: Feature film
Genre: Drama / Historical-Political Film
Duration: 79 minutes
PLOT SUMMARY
In 1930s Romania, Horațiu and Sârca, two young communists operating underground, are tasked with organizing the escape of an important party member. Beyond the political context, the film explores the relationship between the characters and transforms the adventure into a reflection on ideals, friendship, and the fragility of life.
AWARDS:
- ACIN Award (Association of Romanian Filmmakers) 1984 (tied with “Dreptare în lanțuri,” Dan Pița)
- ACIN Honorary Diploma: Claudiu Bleonț, Gheorghe Visu
- Costinești Film Festival 1984 – Grand Prize
FESTIVALS:
- 1984 – Costinești Film Festival
- 1985 – Cairo Film Festival
- 1986 – Berlin Film Festival
CRITICAL REVIEWS:
“A film with edge, moments of suspense, enveloping poetic undertones, memorable sequences, a ‘shocking’ denouement, like the fall of a guillotine,” Călin Căliman
The far-fetched (far-fetched) adventures of a duo based on the “idea man–man of action” dichotomy, which is actually just a pretext to introduce trendy eccentrics into the “illegal conspiracy.” Tudor Caranfil
“Hyper-artistic direction based on a communist-style screenplay,” Cristian Tudor Popescu
TRIVIA:
- Before becoming a filmmaker, Mircea Veroiu was assigned as a physical education teacher at a school in Oltenița, and because he failed to report for duty, he was placed on a wanted list.
- Initially, the film was commissioned to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Youth Union of Romania (1922), but its release was ultimately delayed by almost two years.
- Claudiu Bleonț also starred in Dan Pița’s *Justice in Chains*, for which he shared the Best Director award ex-aequo with Mircea Veroiu, and he was also honored for this role at the same ACIN gala (1984)
QUOTES:
“We’re not dancing to the same tune, Mr. Eremia”
“I was at the circus, I was a porter, I was a student, and now I’m a gentleman.”
“He always comes back, even after a year, but it doesn’t matter.”
“Everywhere around here, two poles and a wire.”
“You have the same opinion as your father: we are very stupid and you are very smart”
ARTICLES:
- Movie page – cinemagia.ro
- International presentation – mubi.com
This premiere is part of a national archive project supported by the Romanian National Film Centre.
Special thanks goes to the Romanian Filmmakers Union and to the Romanian Film Archive.
