stelianne Reviews

Soul's Redemption: a Pocket Guide (2018)

Pretty thoughtful, but it requires knowing a bit of local history

[10/10 · 22 September 2018]

Went to the premiere night, not knowing exactly what to expect. The poster is that of a thriller, but the movie is, simply put, a drama of characters. The central role goes to an expert in identifying former Communist police criminals.He picks up a young apprentice and has him do various routine tasks; the only thing is that the day-to-day stuff that is boring to the expert (and to the public, up to a point), is making the youngster's skin crawl with disgust. So the youngster decides to leave the job, but as he departs, things get interesting. The expert catches the trail of a priest who had not only signed a pact with the Romanian version of the KGB, but seems to also be involved in a murder. The youngster comes back and the hunt is on. Once the movie picks up the pace, after the first half an hour, we get to meet some of the most interesting human types - since the search for the suspect is taking place at a remote monastery in Romanian mountains. The main characters know their acting, and the script is pretty viable; but the scenery is definitely extraordinary and some of the people in there seem ripped right out of a 19th century book. Compared to what's been out so far this year, I'd say it makes for a 9 out of 10.

Summer Holiday (2008)

excellent movie

[10/10 · 7 October 2008]

This movie you either like all the way to the end - or you dislike entirely. This will explain some of the most-favorable comments, but also some of the opinions against it. There's no middle way - either you're into this type of movies, or not. The amateurs for action, rough scenes, twisted plots and stuff like that will be left unsatisfied. The action is slow - however, the dialogue and the acting are extremely intelligent and well-performed. I know the Western viewer is not familiar with this type of cinema, and may not like it. In a way, you have to be a Romanian to like it. However, I'd like to think for myself that is because of movies like these that I believe again in the fate of Romanian cinema. Movies like "Hartia va fi albastra", "Patru luni, trei saptamini..." and now "Boogie" give me great hope. Great actors, great movie, awesome experience. Highly recommended.