A gruesome Romanian film about illegal abortion and utter despair in communist era won the top prize on display at the Cannes festival on Sunday. The movie titled ‘4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days‘ won Palme d’Or prize by beating 21 other entries by some of the more known directors.
Cristian Mungiu, film’s Romanian director, who was handed the award in a glittering ceremony, made the movie on a tight budget. In his acceptance speech, Mungiu said:
You don’t necessarily need a big budget and big stars to tell a story that everyone will listen to. It looks a little like a fairy tale. One year ago, we didn’t have an idea for this project. Six months ago we didn’t have the money to make it.
The film describes the terrible experiences of a young student who tries to make sure that her friend can have a concealed abortion. The movie is set in the final days of communism in Romania, in 1987 to be precise. Its title refers to the age of the abandoned fetus.
In the movie Gabita (Laura Vasiliu), an apprehensive student, is desperate to abort her pregnancy. Her plight is made difficult by the paradoxical conditions prevalent under the then communist regime. Abortion is strictly prohibited while anything can be bought in the black market. Otilia (Annamaria Marinca), a smart, illusionless student, is Gabita’s best pal and is designated the responsibility to buy her friend an abortion in the black market.
In such an unforgiving backdrop, Cristian Mungiu, manages to weave a wonderfully riveting story. The actors, too, have supported him and fit their casts brilliantly. Mungiu revealed that six months ago he didn’t even have enough money to shoot the film. He expressed hope that his tale could inspire other small filmmakers.
Among the other winners was Japnese director Naomi Kawasi. His ‘Mogari No Mori’ (The Mourning Forest) won the second-highest prize, Grand Prix. Jullian Schnabel was named the best dirctor for ‘The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.’ Fatih Akin from Turkey won the best screenplay award for ‘The Edge of Heaven.’
This year Cannes was dominated by dark themes. Most of the popular flicks were based on realistic themes like death, aging and, of course, abortion.
The picture of fetus on the screen seems gruesome but Mungiu did it as a reminder. He said:
It makes a point — people should be aware of the consequences of their decision.
I hope his message carries through.
