Aferim!

Introduction

Review of the movie

Aferim! (2015) is a captivating and well-crafted exploration of colonialism and class struggle in 19th century Romania. Boasting stunning cinematography and a powerful soundtrack, Aferim! is an enthralling journey through a turbulent period in Romanian history.

The film follows the story of a local lawman and his son as they set out to capture a fugitive gypsy. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters and become embroiled in a complex network of social hierarchies and prejudice.

The performances of the cast are excellent and the dialogue is laced with wit and humor. But the film also tackles serious topics, from the exploitation of the Roma people to the legacy of colonialism.

In short, Aferim! is a darkly comic, thought-provoking drama that is not to be missed.

Plot Summary

Illustration of characters and their motivations

Aferim! (2015) is an effective illustration of characters and their motivations. In the film, we meet the characters of Carfin, a small-town police officer, and his young assistant, who are tasked with the job of finding a runaway gypsy slave. We see how their different perspectives, motivations, and personalities drive the story forward and shape the films narrative.

It is clear that Carfin is driven by a sense of duty and responsibility, while his assistant is more focused on his own desires and needs. Throughout the film, their motivations clash and create a unique dynamic between them. It is this dynamic that gives the film a unique sense of character and allows the audience to better understand the motivations of each character.

Important plot points

Historical Context

Depiction of 19th century Romania

Cultural and political background

The cultural and political background of the movie ‘Aferim!’ (2015) is deeply rooted in the 19th century, when Romania was still part of the Ottoman Empire. The film follows the story of a police officer and his son who are sent on a mission to find a runaway slave. This story is set against a backdrop of racial and religious tensions, with the characters having to navigate a complex web of social hierarchies and the ever-present threat of violence. It is a story of oppression and freedom, of the struggles faced by those who are marginalized and their efforts to find justice and equality. The film serves as an important reminder of the ongoing legacy of inequality and discrimination in Romania and beyond.

Cinematography

Unique cinematography techniques

Have you ever seen a movie that had you in awe from the very first shot? Aferim! (2015) is one such movie. With its unique cinematography techniques, the film is a stunning visual journey through 19th century Romania. The director, Radu Jude, uses bright and vivid colours to create a stunning contrast to the dark and oppressive environment of the story. He also employs lengthy static shots, which allows the audience to truly appreciate the beauty of the setting. The close-up shots and tracking shots further add to the intensity of the films narrative. Aferim! is a cinematic masterpiece that will leave you mesmerised.

Role of setting in the movie

The setting of the movie Aferim! (2015) plays a significant role in conveying the story. Set in Wallachia, a rural region of Romania in 1835, the film captures the tumultuous period of Ottoman occupation. The setting serves to paint a vivid picture of the period, with its stunning landscapes, period architecture, and costumes. However, it is also a time of danger and injustice, as the protagonists, a policeman and his son, traverse Wallachia searching for a runaway gypsy slave. Through the use of the setting, the filmmakers are able to convey the hardships faced by the characters, and the struggles of the people living in Wallachia during the Ottoman Empire.

Reception

Aferim!(2015) was met with critical acclaim upon its release. Many praised the films historical accuracy and the performances of its two stars. It was described as a powerful and finely nuanced exploration of prejudice, racism, and injustice in Romania’s past by Variety.

But Aferim! was not only well-received by critics; it was also a commercial success. It was Romanias entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards and won over 30 awards at various festivals across Europe. It also earned over $2 million at the box office, becoming one of the highest-grossing Romanian films of all time.

Awards and nominations

Aferim! has garnered considerable critical acclaim since its release in 2015, leading to a number of award nominations. But just how many awards has the movie been nominated for? Well, Aferim! has been nominated for a staggering 20 awards, and has won 14 of them. That includes the coveted Golden Bear at the 65th Berlin International Film Festival, as well as awards from the Bulgarian National Film Festival, the Sarajevo Film Festival and the Transylvania International Film Festival. It’s no surprise, then, that Aferim! has gone on to become one of the most critically acclaimed films of recent years.

Theatrical release

Aferim! was released theatrically in Romania in February 2015, and then went on to open in several countries around the world. But what made this release unique was its unconventional approach. Rather than aim for a wide release, the film was released in limited locations and over a period of weeks. This allowed for a greater impact and more word-of-mouth advertising than a conventional wide release.

But why did the filmmakers take this approach? Did they think it would be more effective? Or was it simply a matter of budget constraints? Whatever the reason, it certainly worked. Aferim! was widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and went on to win numerous awards.

Themes

Aferim! (2015) is a powerful film that provides a wide range of social commentary. It explores themes of racism, oppression, and economic hardship, while also delving into the complex history of Romania.

But perhaps the most notable aspect of the film is its exploration of the power dynamics between those in positions of authority and those without. The main character, a police officer, is a symbol of the oppressive forces of the 19th century, but at the same time, he is a victim of the system as well.

Whats more, the film also highlights the relationship between the aristocracy and the lower classes, as well as the importance of education and knowledge in overcoming oppression.

Aferim! (2015) is a thought-provoking and powerful film that provides viewers with a unique perspective on the social issues of the time.

Racism and prejudice

Racism and prejudice are pervasive themes in the movie Aferim!. The story follows a Romanian police officer and his son as they hunt for a runaway slave in the early 19th century. Throughout the movie, the characters are confronted with and must confront the racism and prejudice that were so common during this time period. The film does an excellent job of showing how racism and prejudice were deeply embedded in the social fabric of this era. How did the people of this time period learn to accept these attitudes and beliefs? Was it a matter of ignorance, or was it something deeper? These are questions that the movie Aferim! poses, but never fully answers.

Political implications

Aferim! (2015) is a critically acclaimed drama set in Wallachia, Romania in the early 19th century. It follows the story of a local constable and his son, who are hired by a local nobleman to track down a runaway gypsy slave. The film raises questions about institutionalized racism, classism and the legacy of oppressive regimes – all of which are still relevant today. Through its exploration of the political implications of oppression, Aferim! (2015) challenges viewers to confront the realities of inequality and to think critically about how these issues are still present in society today. Whats more, it serves as a reminder of the importance of fighting for a more equitable world.

Conclusion

Aferim! (2015) follows the story of a Romanian policeman, Constable Costandin, and his son, Ionita, traveling through the countryside in search of a runaway gypsy slave. Along the way, they encounter a variety of characters, each with their own unique stories and perspectives. What Costandin and Ionita soon realize is that they are not just hunting a fugitive – they are uncovering a complex web of power, prejudice, and injustice that has been left unchecked in rural Romania. Through their journey, they come to understand the impact of centuries of oppression and the need for a more equitable society.

Summary of critical analysis

Aferim! (2015) is a historical drama set in 19th century Romania. It has been widely praised by critics for its bold and daring take on the countrys history and social issues.

The movie follows the story of a police officer and a Gypsy slave, and the critical analysis of Aferim! has been largely focused on the way it tackles the relationship between class, race and power. Many have praised the movie for its unflinching portrayal of racism and discrimination, as well as its nuanced and thoughtful exploration of the complexities of the time period.

Overall, critics have given Aferim! high praise, calling it an uncompromising look at Romania’s past and present and a bold, powerful and thought-provoking film.