4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS
Stunning, Spelling, Stark, Haunting Will Be Remembered For Days
by Vishal Verma

Rating:

Cristian Mungiu's stunning debut, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days, has been one of the most talked-about films of the last twelve months both for awards it has won and for one high-profile group that snubbed it.

After taking the world by storm and winning both awards at Cannes and from numerous critics groups, the difference between the fact and the truth was cleared. When the nominating committee for the Academy chose to not even put the controversial film on the short list for eligibility to be nominated for the Oscar, it re-established the truth that the Academy is out-of-touch when it comes to films not made in America.

But the fact remains that the Academy always tries its best to honour the best in cinema around the world. Due to all this developments, ‘4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days’ gained the top priorities in my ‘must’ watch list and got the opportunity during the 10th MAMI Film Fest.

And I must tell u that it was worth a watch! It keeps you dazzled even after the screening when you have finished your coffee and couple of smokes.

The winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, Cristian Mungiu's masterful chronicle of two young women negotiating for an illegal abortion in 1987 Romania during the ending communist dictatorship regime of Ceausescu, is highly impressive above all for the way it respects the audience, expecting them to follow the implications of its multifaceted tale.

The exploitation of a strong woman by a needy one proves as tense a subject as the tyranny & will be remembered for its intense, realistic drama which leaves you stunned.

If you have the stomach for intense, realistic drama then it could be the perfect alternative for stark and realistic cinema which is also some times shocking and disturbing.

What is it all about?
Otilia (a stunning portrayal by Anamaria Marinca) is trying to help her college friend and roommate Gabita (Laura Vasiliu). Gabita wants to have an abortion. Through a friend they have arranged to meet an abortionist Mr. Bebe ( Vlad Ivanov), who will perform the procedure in a hotel room. But Bebe refuses to accept their money and demands to be paid in ‘kind’.

What to look out for?
Romanian writer-director Cristian Mungiu's fresh approach does not deter the essence and vigor of art –house cinema to this tale filled with pain, despair, sad decisions and ugly consequences.

Though Mungiu's film is about abortion, ultimately this audaciously unvarnished drama, is more apparent than real, the fact is, it’s a study in contrasts and a story of survival. 

The crowning achievement of 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is its ability to make us consider women both as a vibrant figure and & appreciate them as well.

What not?
The close up of a fetus sloppily wrapped in a plastic sheet may disturb some one who has a weak intestine.

Conclusion: Highly Recommended Worth a Watch