4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days: The Best Of 2007 review

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4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a landmark film that will easily make it to the list of top 100 movie compilations, writes Devang Ghia

This has to be the best film of the year 2007. That it wasn't nominated at the Academy Awards is their loss. Just a reflection of the fact that award shows are at best, only indicators of good cinema; they cannot sit in judgment over what is or what is not the best.

Romania 1987 was a time when abortion was illegal. Getting one was not only dangerous but also expensive. However, when you've got to have it, you've got to have it, no matter what the cost. 4 Months traces one such day in the life of two roommates, Otilia and Gabita. I would love to give to give a brief synopsis of what happens during this particular day, but it is not possible to do it without turning it into a plot spoiler. Just as another reviewer did it for me. Instead let me focus on the merits if this film. I have a lot to say in this regard too.

Firstly, the cinematography. I am and always shall be a vehement critic of the handheld camera. But here it's different. The handheld camera has been kept as steady as technology and an experienced hand can allow. No jerky moments for effect, which means zero-migraine. And its candid, it does not resort to cinematic euphemisms. It never moves away from difficult-to-watch scenes; it is you who will prefer to look the other way.

Next, the direction. It is difficult to believe this is Mungiu's first feature. He understands the audiences' pulse so well; you get transported into the messed up lives of the leading characters. Despite this not being a suspense film in the traditional sense, you might find you nails chewed off at the end of it. Rarely has so much tension been whipped up without a sinister plot being involved.

And then of course, there are the performances. All scenes have been shot in long takes, which means that you better be bloody good and rehearse your scenes and reactions before filming. The best acting is when you act as if there is no camera trained on you. And the entire cast does just that. Standing out are Laura Vasiliu as Gabita and Anamaria Marinca as Otilia, particularly Anamaria, who has most of the footage. I cannot begin to describe their sheer brilliance.

There are many such instances of cinematic excellence. When you see the film, you will understand what I mean. 4 Months is a landmark film that will easily make it to the list of top 100 movie compilations, when they decide to run such a list, a few ninety years from now. You might not be around when such a list does come out. So take my word for it and watch it today itself.

[rating:5]