大象传媒

Even with Cannes hype generating high expectations, Cristian Mungiu's drama set during Romania's communist regime is startlingly good viewing. 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days (4 Luni, 3 Saptamani Si 2 Zile) takes place over one day in 1987 when Otilia (Marinca) helps her university roommate Gabita (Vasiliu) seek an illegal abortion. Risking prison under Ceausescu's dictatorship, Gabita seems to be falling apart, so it's up to Otilia to facilitate the doctor and hotel room - but quite how far she's willing to go to help her friend is yet to be tested.

Playing out in what seems like real time, both Mungiu's drama and cinematography by Oleg Mutu are utterly committed to portraying the reality of the situation. Taking Otilia's point of view, the mobile camerawork and static shots combine with great discipline to give space for brilliant performances and to ratchet up the tension. Take for instance the scene where Otilia endures a dinner party whilst worrying about Gabita lying alone in the hotel waiting to miscarry - all locked in one shot with Otilia hardly moving at its centre yet commanding the full emotion of the scene.

"SHOCKING BUT NEVER ASKS FOR PITY"

Part of a planned trilogy on Romania's communist years, 4 Months... doesn't talk directly about politics but shows how the constricting laws can dehumanise those living under them. Seemingly their saviour, the doctor Mr Bebe (Ivanov) is uncompromising in his treatment of both the girls and the abortion, his manner is chilling but his motivation is the fact that, should they get caught, he faces the longest prison sentence. What results is shocking but never asks for pity. This is a film about cruelty, but one which channels humanity. Brilliant.

4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days (4 Luni, 3 Saptamani Si 2 Zile) is out in the UK on 11th January 2008.