AFERIM! ***
“We live as we can; not as we want.”
A structure that never fails, and is constantly being examined by filmmakers everywhere, is the father-and-son relationship and what develops through their interaction. In this Romanian comedy set in 1835, and splendidly shot in a thick B&W, both father and son each has a lesson to give, and another to learn. They are wandering the infinite desert of Walachia in search of a Gypsy slave (Toma Cuzin, the fantastic actor of “Japanese Dog” and “The Treasure”) who fled and stole money from his lord. Along the way, they cross path with eccentric and desperate figures, starving refugees, bribing guards, prostitutes and bohemians, community leaders and priests, including a mesmerizing one, stuck with a broken carriage amidst snakes, who while being rescued by the bounty-hunters, expresses his anger with the human race in general, pointing to regional weakness and his concepts about Judaism and Christianity. The father is arduous and strict, determined to accomplish his job and get the money for it, and also anxious to see signals of courage on his young son. In the meantime, while putting up the pieces of the puzzle that will reveal facts about the slave’s escape, the son feels moved by compassion and as he observes the suffering around, he will persuade his father to change his mind, return home and leave it as it is. The parallel of these two familiar forces guiding and communicating to each other is just part of the lessons. As they react differently to each encounter and situation, and eventually reach their purpose, they start to understand each other’s position and the film finds its core, the respect, integrity and honor they share. Director Radu Jude conceived a brilliantly funny comedy that looks at social prejudice and historical facts with adventurous debauchery and over-the-top techniques, especially the intoxicating shades of light over the amusing landscape. Romanian cinema continues to confirm its charming authenticity with this irresistible medieval fable. (Opens Friday at Lincoln Plaza & The Angelika NYC)
JERUZALEM ***
Two girlfriends pack and fly to Israel where they expect to fulfill their vacation dreams. What they don’t know, is that they just made in time for the Apocalypse. Once they arrived, they are dragged by an attractive anthropologist who helps them explore the mysteries around the historical city. Strange situations will twist their pleasant visit and will become fatal as they meet furious zombie-like people possessed by darkness. Directors Yoav and Doron Paz inject an exhilarating sense of velocity to the mystical elements surrounding the trio, conducting the story with an exciting fusion of horror and adventure. Punctuated with modern elements, such as the use of the Google glasses and the cultural exchanges, the film provides a roller-coaster of scary moments, enough to satisfy fans of the zombie-end-of-the-world type. (Opens Friday in LA and Jan 29th at Cinema Village, NYC)
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