Tabbing 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days as controversial is as big an understatement possible; however, there is no other word to explain it. Carried by a shocking script, a powerful performance and an ending that will have you thinking long into the night, this film is easily one of the best foreign language films of the year thus far.
Tracking and revealing the emotionally gripping story of two college students who are forced to negotiate for an illegal abortion during the final days of the Ceaucescu regime in Romania, this story is unlike any other. Provoking every emotion known to man, the film will have you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of the next move.
Told over a twenty four hour span, the film shows the women in a hostile environment, one that is easily transmitted to the audience through the daunting and at times haunting performance of Anamaria Marinca.
Playing the best-friend of the woman in trouble, Marinca is the stories central character as we follow her and see just how far a friend is willing to go for someone in need. And through her outpour of emotions, her frustrated delivery and her ability to constantly show that something is on her mind, Marinca sells her soul to the role, making it her own and never stepping out of character. She is just simply perfect.
In addition, I have to mention that the story, written and directed by Cristian Mungiu, was an absolute adrenaline rush nightmare. Capped by the unexpected up-close and personal encounter with an actual looking fetus, Mungiu knows how to creep you out, proving his point and ultimately making a huge impact on all that watch.
And as for his directing style, Mungiu was able to successfully bring the look of natural art to the big-screen with this film. Never using bright colors and often relying on shadows, the film carries a creepy, stalkerish vibe; thus creating a sense of the dungeons of hell.
Ultimately, 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days is the perfect film. Dealing with the controversial subject of abortion, the film takes a raw look at the process and the effects that the decision has on others. And though it is filmed in complete Romanian, I have to admit that the language doesn't prevent the audience from feeling and experiencing the tension that is produced onscreen.
