Unrelentingly grim but very worthy, with finely nuanced performances
Watched this movie intently. Even though it was a foreign film with subtitles. The actors were extremely credible. Direction was on the button. Beautifully executed to tell the story. It wasn't a happy film and the subject matter may have been intense and the life may be difficult but the story was told and it was sastisfying to see and understand it, no matter what country or language it was in.
not sure what i think of this, shows what one friend would do to help another, was a little slow. but ok
one of those you don't mind stopping after watching the first 30 min and have no second thoughts...
A highly memorable film, although as is mentioned by many others this is not a light film to be watched casually. Apart from the confronting subject matter, this film is memorable for the wonderful performance by the lead actress who portrays the incredibly loyal and selfless friend to the flighty and self-focussed girl who finds herself in trouble. A disturbing yet fascinating insight into 80's Romania and also a wonderful portrayal of friendship in difficult situations.
Bleak, unrelenting potrait of life and limited choices in Romania in the 1980's.
Superb film if such a descriptor is appropriate to such depressing subject matter
Poignant and interesting but not the most enjoyable movie to watch.
Not bad. A small movie portraying well the east of Europe. The diner scene is so realistic thanks to the actors and dialogues. Looking at the cold sceneries of this flick, I felt lucky living in our wonderful country.
Don't expect much and you will be surprised. Go past the first 20 minutes and you will see, it gets better. Mr Bebe what an ass...!
The subject matter of the film is unquestionably dark. For those wanting the usual escapism it's best avoided. But as a film it's close enough to 5 stars. The quality of acting and the starkness of so much of what occurs is pretty extraordinary. Whilst it's a completely different storyline 'Bandit Queen' is a film with similar elements worth watching if you appreciated this one.
Just glad it's over -- snooze.
Brilliantly written, acted and constructed.
Though the subject matter is surely too much for some, it really is an excellent film if you can handle it.
A fairly bleak look at life under a dictatorship which outlawed abortion and at same time totally neglected those unwanted children who werre born. The performances are very good and sense of time and place is palpable.
A strange little movie, sort of compelling despite the drab depressing environment of the main characters. I kept falling asleep so I guess that 's an indictment on just how interesting or uninteresting it was.
Romania looks to have been much as I'd imagined. Vleak and disheartening......this is a sad tale of bright young potential being crushed by circumstance.
Unrelentingly grim and depressing. This Romanian movie set in 1987 about 2 girls seeking an illegal abortion for one of them is no picnic. Very well acted but dark., dark, dark. You will want to see it through to the end and then need a very stiff drink.
A reality check for teenagers here in Australia I would think about the luxury of freedom. An unplanned pregnancy, friendship and the risks they take to terminate the pregnancy amidst, rules, regulations and big brother constantly watching. Excellent
I couldn't get through it, it was too much.
A powerful and challenging movie that achieves much with little. Simple, uncomplicated narrative. Gritty, grimy and depressingly grey settings. A morally complex tale told without judgment. Breathtakingly honest, it is not for the feint hearted.
A story about the stark alternatives sometimes dished-out by life.
The character development of the two main protagonists is excellent. Pusillanimous Gabbita is maddeningly scattered and selfish. Otillia, by contrast, is very much the focused Trojan stalwart. Her stoic patience with both a wimpy boyfriend and his crass family is a brilliant choice in terms of both character and narrative. What a gal!
Not one word of dialogue is wasted.
The tense realism of the key scene in the hotel room is a tour de force, as is the short but spectacular performance by the abortionist.
I found it a little boring. However overall it held my interest enough to watch the whole thing, and I started to really warm to Otillia and all she did for her best friend.
Yes... I thought it'd be pretty bloody grim - and I can report that I wasn't disappointed... to be friends with that Gabita would require the patience of Job.. what a selfish stupid bint.
I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but still I'm glad I watched it.
This is an excellent movie on many movie-making levels. It is, however, through it's honesty, so incredibly grim, sad, even shocking. Just make sure you're in the right mood for it. Quite possibly a chick flick for all the wrong reasons. Not quite sure I can recommend it at all because I can't figure out why I'm better off for having seen it! Maybe just more grateful for being born in Australia, and for my life in general....