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      <title>Film:4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/films/4_Months_3_Weeks_and_2_Days/329086/default.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<table width='100%' style='font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><tr><td><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' /></td>
<td>
<strong>Title:</strong> 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days<br/>
<strong>Year:</strong> 2008<br/>
<strong>Director:</strong> Cristian Mungiu<br/>
<strong>Plot:</strong> Director Cristian Mungiu's drama 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days unfolds in Romania in the late '80s, during the last waning days of Communist rule. Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu play, respectively, Otilia and Gabita, two female friends and students who share a Bucharest flat. They soon find themselves saddled with an overwhelming problem: Gabita is expecting. With abortion illegal in Romania at that time, the women seek an illicit termination at the hands of one Mr. Bebe (Vlad Ivanov) in a seedy Romanian hotel -- but Bebe refuses to accept money in return for his services and demands a certain "alternate" commodity instead. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide<br/>
<strong>Times Tagged:</strong> 8<br/>
<strong>Number of Lists:</strong> 20<br/>
<strong>Number of blog posts:</strong> 3<br/>
<strong>Number of discussion threads:</strong> 4<br/>
<strong>SpoutRating:</strong> 4<br/>
</td></tr></table>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 00:27:51 GMT</pubDate><spout:Title>4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days</spout:Title><spout:Year>2008</spout:Year><spout:Director>Cristian Mungiu</spout:Director><spout:Plot>Director Cristian Mungiu's drama 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days unfolds in Romania in the late '80s, during the last waning days of Communist rule. Anamaria Marinca and Laura Vasiliu play, respectively, Otilia and Gabita, two female friends and students who share a Bucharest flat. They soon find themselves saddled with an overwhelming problem: Gabita is expecting. With abortion illegal in Romania at that time, the women seek an illicit termination at the hands of one Mr. Bebe (Vlad Ivanov) in a seedy Romanian hotel -- but Bebe refuses to accept money in return for his services and demands a certain "alternate" commodity instead. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide</spout:Plot><spout:TimesTagged>8</spout:TimesTagged><spout:taglevel>Taggedy Taggged (6-10)</spout:taglevel><spout:Numberoflists>20</spout:Numberoflists><spout:NumberOfBlogPosts>3</spout:NumberOfBlogPosts><spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads>4</spout:NumberOfDiscussionThreads><spout:SpoutRating>4</spout:SpoutRating><spout:FilmCoverURL>http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg</spout:FilmCoverURL><spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL>http://www.spout.com/films/4_Months_3_Weeks_and_2_Days/329086/default.aspx</spout:SpoutFilmDetailURL><spout:type>Film</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:What is your favorite Palme d'Or winner from the last 6 years?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/Re_What_is_your_favorite_Palme_d_Or_winner_from_th/657/42419/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5815/default.aspx'>tadiv</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/657/discussions.aspx'>Movie Polls</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/26/2009 8:27:51 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong>  I have not yet seen Entre les murs (The Class) or The Wind That Shakes the Barley (but I see it is available from Netflix on "instant" watching) and I suspect that either could take my vote.  From the rest of the list, the tough choice is between 4 luni, 3 saptam&acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) or L'enfant (The Child).  I voted for  L'enfant as I found myself much more engaged by the characters.  Mind you, I did not like them at all, but that I was engaged to dislike them so convinced me that it was a really good film.  It's an interesting list - I did not know what films were on it when I suggested it... Tom<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 27 May 2009 00:27:51 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>tadiv</spout:postby><spout:postto>Movie Polls</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/26/2009 8:27:51 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body> I have not yet seen Entre les murs (The Class) or The Wind That Shakes the Barley (but I see it is available from Netflix on "instant" watching) and I suspect that either could take my vote.  From the rest of the list, the tough choice is between 4 luni, 3 saptam&amp;acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days) or L'enfant (The Child).  I voted for  L'enfant as I found myself much more engaged by the characters.  Mind you, I did not like them at all, but that I was engaged to dislike them so convinced me that it was a really good film.  It's an interesting list - I did not know what films were on it when I suggested it... Tom</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: What is your favorite Palme d'Or winner from the last 6 years?</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/What_is_your_favorite_Palme_d_Or_winner_from_the_l/657/42409/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5353/default.aspx'>Risselada</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Movie_Polls/657/discussions.aspx'>Movie Polls</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 5/26/2009 12:49:50 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Thanks to tadiv for suggesting this one. - "In recognition of the Cannes Film Festival, what is your favorite Palme d'Or film from the last 6 years?"      Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:4 luni, 3 saptam&acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)ElephantL'enfant (The Child)Entre les murs (The Class)Fahrenheit 9/11The Wind That Shakes the Barley<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2009 16:49:50 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Risselada</spout:postby><spout:postto>Movie Polls</spout:postto><spout:postdate>5/26/2009 12:49:50 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>Please reference this thread for the rules of this group. Thanks to tadiv for suggesting this one. - "In recognition of the Cannes Film Festival, what is your favorite Palme d'Or film from the last 6 years?"      Please vote only once in each poll. Movies referenced in this poll:4 luni, 3 saptam&amp;acirc;ni si 2 zile (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)ElephantL'enfant (The Child)Entre les murs (The Class)Fahrenheit 9/11The Wind That Shakes the Barley</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 10 Movies for Democrats</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/9/2/34658.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/9325/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/default.aspx'>SpoutBlog on spout.com</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/2/2008 4:00:50 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> The Democratic National Convention is over, and all the ecstatic party members have left Denver to go back to their zombie-esque lives (Bob Hope said it, not me). But after four days of celebrating what it means to be a Democrat, some may not wish to settle down and calmly wait out the next two months until Obama’s (possible) win, let alone the next five months waiting for the candidate to (possibly) be sworn in as President, participating in the normal non-specifically-Democratic, non-self-congratulatory activities that most of us are content with.
So, one thing excited Democrats can do is watch movies that will continue to inspire and encourage their beliefs and politics. As Karina already wrote, The American President is one movie that just barely may allow Obama fans to relive his DNC speech. Also, beginning yesterday, the Oscar-nominated documentary No End in Sight will be available in full on YouTube through till Election Day.  Of course, there’s always other anti-war and anti-Bush docs for free viewing online, at such sites as SnagFilms and FreeDocumentaries.org.
And since there are so many docs out there that can make a Democrat giddy with the want for change, I’ve decided to limit today’s list to fictions and dramatizations, because they are more about feelings than facts, and that’s all you really need for political inspiration these days. As usual, I’m leaving out a lot of picks, both obvious and obscure, so feel free to tell us what movie make you feel most proud to be a Democrat.


Mr. Deeds Goes to Town - Never mind that Frank Capra voted Republican or that ultimately this film has rather conservative messages regarding traditionalism, privatization and self-sufficiency; all the allusions to the New Deal are strong enough to excite any Rooseveltian liberal. In its time it may have fooled the population by seeming pro-FDR, but today it can still be appreciated by Democrats for demonstrating the President’s Depression-era programs in a way that may be celebrated by those who believe in them. Just concentrate more on screenwriter Robert Riskin’s influence and contribution and ignore Capra’s underlying and conclusive ideology.
Cradle Will Rock - Another Depression-era film, though this one was made 63 years later and is actually pro-New Deal, directed by the openly liberal actor/filmmaker Tim Robbins. In a way, it’s probably more left-wing than even some Democrats can agree with, but a general appreciation for government-funded and supported arts, as well as a hatred of conservative-pressured cuts to similar programs, should allow most in the party to enjoy the film.
The People vs. Larry Flynt - You can’t have a Democratic film marathon without at least one title celebrating the First Amendment. Feel free to substitute with Lenny, or just add it to the list.
Roe vs. Wade - A TV movie, sure, and not even a great one, but when it comes to films about women’s right to choose, you’ve either got great foreign films (Vera Drake; 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days), which don’t exactly represent U.S. politics, documentaries (which don’t qualify the list), and satires (Citizen Ruth would be a decent inclusion, maybe, but it kind of ridicules all sides). So, here’s the direct dramatization of the court case that made history.
Thirteen Days - JFK’s presidency is well-enough renowned by the Democratic Party, but this specific portrayal of one of his greatest moments in office is also important viewing for fans of RFK and Adlai Stevenson.
Dick - It’s possible to get excited while watching All the President’s Men and celebrating the outcome of Woodward and Bernstein’s investigation, but Dick is a little more anti-Nixon, at least in a lampooning manner. Plus, as great as Redford and Hoffman are in AtPM, I prefer Will Ferrell and Bruce McCullough as the journalists who helped to take down the corrupt Republican.
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay - And if you prefer Dan Hedaya’s humorous portrayal of Nixon in Dick to Anthony Hopkins in Nixon, you’ll likely enjoy James Adomian’s caricature of George W. Bush in this Harold & Kumar sequel. It’s a little jokingly apologetic, but it will tide you over until W. comes out — if you’re even eager to see a full biopic about your worst enemy, that is.
Inherit the Wind - Based on the infamous 1925 trial of science teacher John T. Scopes, who was convicted for teaching evolution in a state allowing only creationism to be taught, this 1960 adaptation of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s play continues to be significant in the ongoing debate regarding science vs. religion and the division of Church and State.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Since I can’t decide on any movies to include that directly deal with the Civil Rights Act, here’s the movie based on the book that inspired me most about civil rights when I was young. It should be required viewing (and the book should be required reading) for all kids of impressionable age.
Three Kings - I certainly wouldn’t vote for somebody solely based on his or her movie tastes, but I will admit to liking Bill Clinton a little bit more, post-presidency, after learning from his guest appearance on Roger Ebert & the Movies that he loved Three Kings. And, the other way around, I had an even greater appreciation for the film after Clinton’s endorsement, which included a reading of the film, which goes as follows (thanks to Salon for the quote and lead-in):
He saw the movie as an indication that we need to face up to society’s “oldest, most primitive problem, our tribalism, our tendency to go beyond a natural pride in our group, whether it’s a racial or ethnic or religious group or whatever,” which results in “fear and distrust and dehumanization and violence against ‘the other.’”
Of course, just because Clinton liked Three Kings doesn’t mean other Democrats will. Or vice versa. Ronald Reagan was apparently a big fan of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, which hasn’t made me any less of a fan. So, I’ll ask again, differently, since the Democratic Party is anything but completely united: what movies are most relevant to your politics as a Democrat?
 Originally posted on:SpoutBlog<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:00:50 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>SpoutBlog</spout:postby><spout:postto>SpoutBlog on spout.com</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/2/2008 4:00:50 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>The Democratic National Convention is over, and all the ecstatic party members have left Denver to go back to their zombie-esque lives (Bob Hope said it, not me). But after four days of celebrating what it means to be a Democrat, some may not wish to settle down and calmly wait out the next two months until Obama’s (possible) win, let alone the next five months waiting for the candidate to (possibly) be sworn in as President, participating in the normal non-specifically-Democratic, non-self-congratulatory activities that most of us are content with.
So, one thing excited Democrats can do is watch movies that will continue to inspire and encourage their beliefs and politics. As Karina already wrote, The American President is one movie that just barely may allow Obama fans to relive his DNC speech. Also, beginning yesterday, the Oscar-nominated documentary No End in Sight will be available in full on YouTube through till Election Day.  Of course, there’s always other anti-war and anti-Bush docs for free viewing online, at such sites as SnagFilms and FreeDocumentaries.org.
And since there are so many docs out there that can make a Democrat giddy with the want for change, I’ve decided to limit today’s list to fictions and dramatizations, because they are more about feelings than facts, and that’s all you really need for political inspiration these days. As usual, I’m leaving out a lot of picks, both obvious and obscure, so feel free to tell us what movie make you feel most proud to be a Democrat.


Mr. Deeds Goes to Town - Never mind that Frank Capra voted Republican or that ultimately this film has rather conservative messages regarding traditionalism, privatization and self-sufficiency; all the allusions to the New Deal are strong enough to excite any Rooseveltian liberal. In its time it may have fooled the population by seeming pro-FDR, but today it can still be appreciated by Democrats for demonstrating the President’s Depression-era programs in a way that may be celebrated by those who believe in them. Just concentrate more on screenwriter Robert Riskin’s influence and contribution and ignore Capra’s underlying and conclusive ideology.
Cradle Will Rock - Another Depression-era film, though this one was made 63 years later and is actually pro-New Deal, directed by the openly liberal actor/filmmaker Tim Robbins. In a way, it’s probably more left-wing than even some Democrats can agree with, but a general appreciation for government-funded and supported arts, as well as a hatred of conservative-pressured cuts to similar programs, should allow most in the party to enjoy the film.
The People vs. Larry Flynt - You can’t have a Democratic film marathon without at least one title celebrating the First Amendment. Feel free to substitute with Lenny, or just add it to the list.
Roe vs. Wade - A TV movie, sure, and not even a great one, but when it comes to films about women’s right to choose, you’ve either got great foreign films (Vera Drake; 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days), which don’t exactly represent U.S. politics, documentaries (which don’t qualify the list), and satires (Citizen Ruth would be a decent inclusion, maybe, but it kind of ridicules all sides). So, here’s the direct dramatization of the court case that made history.
Thirteen Days - JFK’s presidency is well-enough renowned by the Democratic Party, but this specific portrayal of one of his greatest moments in office is also important viewing for fans of RFK and Adlai Stevenson.
Dick - It’s possible to get excited while watching All the President’s Men and celebrating the outcome of Woodward and Bernstein’s investigation, but Dick is a little more anti-Nixon, at least in a lampooning manner. Plus, as great as Redford and Hoffman are in AtPM, I prefer Will Ferrell and Bruce McCullough as the journalists who helped to take down the corrupt Republican.
Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay - And if you prefer Dan Hedaya’s humorous portrayal of Nixon in Dick to Anthony Hopkins in Nixon, you’ll likely enjoy James Adomian’s caricature of George W. Bush in this Harold &amp; Kumar sequel. It’s a little jokingly apologetic, but it will tide you over until W. comes out — if you’re even eager to see a full biopic about your worst enemy, that is.
Inherit the Wind - Based on the infamous 1925 trial of science teacher John T. Scopes, who was convicted for teaching evolution in a state allowing only creationism to be taught, this 1960 adaptation of Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee’s play continues to be significant in the ongoing debate regarding science vs. religion and the division of Church and State.
To Kill a Mockingbird - Since I can’t decide on any movies to include that directly deal with the Civil Rights Act, here’s the movie based on the book that inspired me most about civil rights when I was young. It should be required viewing (and the book should be required reading) for all kids of impressionable age.
Three Kings - I certainly wouldn’t vote for somebody solely based on his or her movie tastes, but I will admit to liking Bill Clinton a little bit more, post-presidency, after learning from his guest appearance on Roger Ebert &amp; the Movies that he loved Three Kings. And, the other way around, I had an even greater appreciation for the film after Clinton’s endorsement, which included a reading of the film, which goes as follows (thanks to Salon for the quote and lead-in):
He saw the movie as an indication that we need to face up to society’s “oldest, most primitive problem, our tribalism, our tendency to go beyond a natural pride in our group, whether it’s a racial or ethnic or religious group or whatever,” which results in “fear and distrust and dehumanization and violence against ‘the other.’”
Of course, just because Clinton liked Three Kings doesn’t mean other Democrats will. Or vice versa. Ronald Reagan was apparently a big fan of Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, which hasn’t made me any less of a fan. So, I’ll ask again, differently, since the Democratic Party is anything but completely united: what movies are most relevant to your politics as a Democrat?
 Originally posted on:SpoutBlog</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: 4 Months, 3 Weeks &amp; 2 Days - Review</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/ibetolis/archive/2008/7/29/33261.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/134298/default.aspx'>Ibetolis</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/ibetolis/default.aspx'>Film for the Soul</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 7/29/2008 6:03:23 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong>      Cristian Mungiu, 2007Set in 1987 Romania, two years before the bloody revolution that saw leader Nicolae Ceausescu executed for acts of genocide and for crimes against the state, 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days captures a country in the grips of desperation and despair.  The speed with which the violence escalated through those days in 1989, with such force and ease, are hinted at, though not directly, in this seminal masterpiece from 39 year old director Cristian Mungiu.  It hangs in the air, the stench of anger, mistrust, arrogance, frustration, even blood -  something is brewing and the results will be catastrophic.Ceausescu's regime however is still heavily present in 4 months, 3 weeks & 2 days, dominating the populace and ruling through fear and repression.  The films modest story features Gabriela (Laura Vasiliu), a young woman who seeks an abortion; an act illegal in Romania in an attempt to raise the birth rate, and her roommate Otilia (Anamaria Marinca), who has helped arrange the procedure and secure the necessary funds.  The power of this film lies in this simple premise, two young girls seeking help and being defiled and degraded at every turn, this is fierce film making without the tub thumping, without the political rhetoric, a simple matter of fact, warts and all storytelling.Room mates, friends Gabrila and OtiliaAlthough it's Gabriela pregnancy that fuels the story our attention is focused on that of Otilia; the friend, and college room mate, who has selflessly volunteered to hold her friend's hand through the illegal abortion, as she borrows cash, arranges a hotel room and liaises with the abortionist Bebe (Vlad Ivanov).  It's made rather obvious that Gabriela by contrast to Otilia cannot cope, she's prone to getting things wrong and to sticking her head in the sand whereas Otilia is street wise and shrewd.  I believe, and I could be wrong here, that there is only one time when we're not watching the action from Otilia's perspective (and for those who have not yet seen this film I will refrain from mentioning it here), but we still feel that moment as intently as if we were there.It's those horrifying scenes in the hotel room, that's been suggested and hinted at in the scenes before, that the real hell of their situation reveals itself.  A sense of abject horror, squalor and degradation seeps into almost every scene around this event.  The character of Bebe, the sanctimonious, self-pitying, pompous illegal abortionist, is all the more horrific for the simple fact that he 'must have' existed.  The tension between the two girls and Bebe as they haggle over money, knowing where this will inevitably lead, brings home the notion of what living in a totalitarian state has done to its society with it's continuous series of little, everyday people, looking for the merest smidgen of power somehow compensating for their own miserable existence.(from left to right) Bebe, Otilia and Gabriela in the hotel roomMunigu style is raw yet skillful, restrained and respectful of its subject, he strips everything down, shooting scenes in one take, the camera either remaining steady as characters pass in and out of the frame, or trailing them as they walk yet only focusing on what's essential.  Scenes with gaping holes one moment are then filled with a looming presence a second later, taking up the entire frame.  The sense of claustrophobia continues throughout, even when outside; especially that end sequence when the intensity of sound and space raise the tension to that on a par with Hitchcock.  Rarely has the depiction of living in the Eastern bloc been so stark and ugly, so thoroughly captivating but repulsive.  The Deserved winner of the Palme d'or in 2007, Mungiu has created a masterpiece of intimate desperation, a film which will long resonate with it honest, bracing and unflinching narrative; a real compassionate work of art.  No review of this film would be complete however without acknowledging the performance of Anamaria Marinca.  You can hardly takes your eyes of her, she encompasses the whole of Romania in those sad and too old for her age eyes, that withered forlorn expression of daily humiliation and repressed anger.  After her ordeal in the hotel room the anger is frightening, waiting to explode with venom she vomits in the street before  gathering herself and walking on in vain.  Her rage is of the stuff that fueled that revolution in 1989. Watch a mere snippet of this captivating film Originally posted on:Film for the Soul<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:03:23 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>Ibetolis</spout:postby><spout:postto>Film for the Soul</spout:postto><spout:postdate>7/29/2008 6:03:23 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>     Cristian Mungiu, 2007Set in 1987 Romania, two years before the bloody revolution that saw leader Nicolae Ceausescu executed for acts of genocide and for crimes against the state, 4 Months, 3 Weeks &amp; 2 Days captures a country in the grips of desperation and despair.  The speed with which the violence escalated through those days in 1989, with such force and ease, are hinted at, though not directly, in this seminal masterpiece from 39 year old director Cristian Mungiu.  It hangs in the air, the stench of anger, mistrust, arrogance, frustration, even blood -  something is brewing and the results will be catastrophic.Ceausescu's regime however is still heavily present in 4 months, 3 weeks &amp; 2 days, dominating the populace and ruling through fear and repression.  The films modest story features Gabriela (Laura Vasiliu), a young woman who seeks an abortion; an act illegal in Romania in an attempt to raise the birth rate, and her roommate Otilia (Anamaria Marinca), who has helped arrange the procedure and secure the necessary funds.  The power of this film lies in this simple premise, two young girls seeking help and being defiled and degraded at every turn, this is fierce film making without the tub thumping, without the political rhetoric, a simple matter of fact, warts and all storytelling.Room mates, friends Gabrila and OtiliaAlthough it's Gabriela pregnancy that fuels the story our attention is focused on that of Otilia; the friend, and college room mate, who has selflessly volunteered to hold her friend's hand through the illegal abortion, as she borrows cash, arranges a hotel room and liaises with the abortionist Bebe (Vlad Ivanov).  It's made rather obvious that Gabriela by contrast to Otilia cannot cope, she's prone to getting things wrong and to sticking her head in the sand whereas Otilia is street wise and shrewd.  I believe, and I could be wrong here, that there is only one time when we're not watching the action from Otilia's perspective (and for those who have not yet seen this film I will refrain from mentioning it here), but we still feel that moment as intently as if we were there.It's those horrifying scenes in the hotel room, that's been suggested and hinted at in the scenes before, that the real hell of their situation reveals itself.  A sense of abject horror, squalor and degradation seeps into almost every scene around this event.  The character of Bebe, the sanctimonious, self-pitying, pompous illegal abortionist, is all the more horrific for the simple fact that he 'must have' existed.  The tension between the two girls and Bebe as they haggle over money, knowing where this will inevitably lead, brings home the notion of what living in a totalitarian state has done to its society with it's continuous series of little, everyday people, looking for the merest smidgen of power somehow compensating for their own miserable existence.(from left to right) Bebe, Otilia and Gabriela in the hotel roomMunigu style is raw yet skillful, restrained and respectful of its subject, he strips everything down, shooting scenes in one take, the camera either remaining steady as characters pass in and out of the frame, or trailing them as they walk yet only focusing on what's essential.  Scenes with gaping holes one moment are then filled with a looming presence a second later, taking up the entire frame.  The sense of claustrophobia continues throughout, even when outside; especially that end sequence when the intensity of sound and space raise the tension to that on a par with Hitchcock.  Rarely has the depiction of living in the Eastern bloc been so stark and ugly, so thoroughly captivating but repulsive.  The Deserved winner of the Palme d'or in 2007, Mungiu has created a masterpiece of intimate desperation, a film which will long resonate with it honest, bracing and unflinching narrative; a real compassionate work of art.  No review of this film would be complete however without acknowledging the performance of Anamaria Marinca.  You can hardly takes your eyes of her, she encompasses the whole of Romania in those sad and too old for her age eyes, that withered forlorn expression of daily humiliation and repressed anger.  After her ordeal in the hotel room the anger is frightening, waiting to explode with venom she vomits in the street before  gathering herself and walking on in vain.  Her rage is of the stuff that fueled that revolution in 1989. Watch a mere snippet of this captivating film Originally posted on:Film for the Soul</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Interesting</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/blogs/vitalogst/archive/2008/3/5/25877.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/122406/default.aspx'>vitalogst</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/blogs/vitalogst/default.aspx'>vitalogst Blog</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 3/5/2008 4:55:36 AM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> I didn&#39;t love it, I thought it was thought provoking and interesting.  Following the main characters through out the progression of the story left me feeling underwhelmed, I thought that everything for the most part was underacted and they didn&#39;t react to the horrific situation in realistically enough, they just kind of accepted everything.  Perhaps it&#39;s a cultural or gender thing that I can&#39;t pick up on. I thought that the cinematography was stunning, really long uninterupted shots and interesting light patterns and locations. I&#39;m glad I saw it.  I think the main problem is that I can&#39;t really relate to what the characters were going through, and the film never really let me into anybodies head enough that I could sympathize. <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Mar 2008 09:55:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>vitalogst</spout:postby><spout:postto>vitalogst Blog</spout:postto><spout:postdate>3/5/2008 4:55:36 AM</spout:postdate><spout:body>I didn&amp;#39;t love it, I thought it was thought provoking and interesting.  Following the main characters through out the progression of the story left me feeling underwhelmed, I thought that everything for the most part was underacted and they didn&amp;#39;t react to the horrific situation in realistically enough, they just kind of accepted everything.  Perhaps it&amp;#39;s a cultural or gender thing that I can&amp;#39;t pick up on. I thought that the cinematography was stunning, really long uninterupted shots and interesting light patterns and locations. I&amp;#39;m glad I saw it.  I think the main problem is that I can&amp;#39;t really relate to what the characters were going through, and the film never really let me into anybodies head enough that I could sympathize. </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: Re:Predictions and Commentary, 2008</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/It_s_a_Wonderful_Night_for_Oscar/Re_Predictions_and_Commentary_2008/46/24210/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/2227/default.aspx'>pippin06</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/It_s_a_Wonderful_Night_for_Oscar/46/discussions.aspx'>It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar!</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 1/22/2008 1:17:56 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> To start off the conversation about snubbery, here is an article from Saturday&#39;s Washington Post centered on the shortlist for foreign language film, which had a variety of omissions of previous award-show favorites, including 4 Months, 3 Days, 2 Nights and Persepolis.  Foreign Languge Film is usually a hotly contested category, mainly because of the inconsistent eligibility rules and arthouse cred/interest these films generate, and the five nominees not only fail to include those shortlisted but also highly buzzed about entries such as The Kite Runner and Ang Lee&#39;s Lust, Caution.  In addition, for reasons not fully clear to me (maybe I should go review the rules), while The Diving Bell and the Butterfly has received several mainstage award noms, it did not get nominated in Foreign Language Film.  Last year, Pan&#39;s Labryinth enjoyed noms in several categories, including FLF. Isn&#39;t it wonderful how Oscar fails to make logical sense sometimes?  More observations to come, but if you have any reactions, please contribute!http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/18/AR2008011803357.html<br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:17:56 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>pippin06</spout:postby><spout:postto>It's a Wonderful Night for Oscar!</spout:postto><spout:postdate>1/22/2008 1:17:56 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>To start off the conversation about snubbery, here is an article from Saturday&amp;#39;s Washington Post centered on the shortlist for foreign language film, which had a variety of omissions of previous award-show favorites, including 4 Months, 3 Days, 2 Nights and Persepolis.  Foreign Languge Film is usually a hotly contested category, mainly because of the inconsistent eligibility rules and arthouse cred/interest these films generate, and the five nominees not only fail to include those shortlisted but also highly buzzed about entries such as The Kite Runner and Ang Lee&amp;#39;s Lust, Caution.  In addition, for reasons not fully clear to me (maybe I should go review the rules), while The Diving Bell and the Butterfly has received several mainstage award noms, it did not get nominated in Foreign Language Film.  Last year, Pan&amp;#39;s Labryinth enjoyed noms in several categories, including FLF. Isn&amp;#39;t it wonderful how Oscar fails to make logical sense sometimes?  More observations to come, but if you have any reactions, please contribute!http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/18/AR2008011803357.html</spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Post: A quick summary of what I saw at the Telluride Film Festival in 2007 (no reviews, just a list)</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/groups/Telluride_Film_Festival_2008/A_quick_summary_of_what_I_saw_at_the_Telluride_Fil/144/19386/1/ShowPost.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div><img align='left' src='http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s329086.jpg' hspace='10' style='height:80px;' />
<strong>Post By:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/members/5815/default.aspx'>tadiv</a><br/>
<strong>Post To:</strong> <a href='http://www.spout.com/groups/Telluride_Film_Festival_2008/144/discussions.aspx'>Telluride Film Festival 2008</a><br/>
<strong>Post Date:</strong> 9/5/2007 1:24:46 PM<br/>
<strong>Body:</strong> We saw the following films at the 2007 Telluride Film Festival...Features: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, The Band&rsquo;s Visit, The Counterfeiters, When Did You Last See Your Father?, Persepolis, Terror&rsquo;s Advocate, Jar City, Blind Mountain, People on Sunday, Encounters at the End of the World, I&rsquo;m Not There, Juno, The Savages, Bergman Island: Ingmar Bergman on Faro Island, Cinema &amp; Life, For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism, and Redacted.  Shorts that played with features: FISSION, L&rsquo;AMERIQUE LUNAIRE, SALIM BABA, SPIDER, and YOURS TRULY.  Works from the "Great Expectations" program: FISH SOUP, DISTINGUISHING FEATURES, END OF THE LINE, COCO Y NICO, A SMALL DEATH, IF I DIE FAR FROM YOU, VENUS, and VER LLOVER.  Works from the "Student Prints" program: THE REPLACEMENT CHILD, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, IN THE NAME OF THE SON, THE KNIFE GRINDER&rsquo;S TALE, and DEATH OF SHULA. It was a good festival - we only got turned away from one film - that was Into the Wild, however there were many passholders complaining about being turned away from more than one show. Tom <br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:24:46 GMT</pubDate><spout:postby>tadiv</spout:postby><spout:postto>Telluride Film Festival 2008</spout:postto><spout:postdate>9/5/2007 1:24:46 PM</spout:postdate><spout:body>We saw the following films at the 2007 Telluride Film Festival...Features: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days, The Band&amp;rsquo;s Visit, The Counterfeiters, When Did You Last See Your Father?, Persepolis, Terror&amp;rsquo;s Advocate, Jar City, Blind Mountain, People on Sunday, Encounters at the End of the World, I&amp;rsquo;m Not There, Juno, The Savages, Bergman Island: Ingmar Bergman on Faro Island, Cinema &amp;amp; Life, For the Love of Movies: The Story of American Film Criticism, and Redacted.  Shorts that played with features: FISSION, L&amp;rsquo;AMERIQUE LUNAIRE, SALIM BABA, SPIDER, and YOURS TRULY.  Works from the "Great Expectations" program: FISH SOUP, DISTINGUISHING FEATURES, END OF THE LINE, COCO Y NICO, A SMALL DEATH, IF I DIE FAR FROM YOU, VENUS, and VER LLOVER.  Works from the "Student Prints" program: THE REPLACEMENT CHILD, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, IN THE NAME OF THE SON, THE KNIFE GRINDER&amp;rsquo;S TALE, and DEATH OF SHULA. It was a good festival - we only got turned away from one film - that was Into the Wild, however there were many passholders complaining about being turned away from more than one show. Tom </spout:body></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:hotel</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/hotel/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/hotel/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>hotel</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 359</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 42</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 86</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:32:30 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>359</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>42</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>86</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:communism</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/communism/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/communism/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>communism</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 467</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 22</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 34</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:02:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>467</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>22</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>34</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:abortion</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/abortion/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/abortion/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>abortion</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 255</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 21</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 34</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:10:27 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>255</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>21</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>34</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:roommate</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/roommate/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/roommate/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>roommate</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 288</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 8</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 11</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:13:22 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>288</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>8</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>11</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:telluride</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/telluride/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/telluride/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>telluride</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 55</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 6</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 64</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 12 Sep 2009 00:39:36 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>55</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>6</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>64</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:denver</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/denver/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/denver/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>denver</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 6</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 3</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 6</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:59:51 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>6</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>3</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>6</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:romania</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/romania/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/romania/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>romania</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 17</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 2</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 2</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:02:22 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>17</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>2</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>2</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Back-Yard-Abortion</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Back-Yard-Abortion/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Back-Yard-Abortion/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Back-Yard-Abortion</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:16:59 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>1</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:Garbage-chute</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/Garbage-chute/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/Garbage-chute/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>Garbage-chute</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:11:18 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>1</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:second-trimester</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/second-trimester/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/second-trimester/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>second-trimester</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:10:10 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>1</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
    <item>
      <title>Spout Tag:sexual-bartering</title>
      <link>http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/sexual-bartering/MemberTagFilms.aspx</link><description><![CDATA[<div style='display:block;height:120px;width:400px;font:10px/10px Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;'><a href='/members/0/tags/sexual-bartering/MemberTagFilms.aspx'>sexual-bartering</a>
<strong><br/> Number of films tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of people who tagged:</strong> 1</br><br/>
<strong>Number of times used:</strong> 1</br><br/>
</div>]]></description><pubDate>Tue, 17 Jun 2008 07:15:06 GMT</pubDate><spout:numFilms>1</spout:numFilms><spout:numPeople>1</spout:numPeople><spout:timesUsed>1</spout:timesUsed><spout:type>Tag</spout:type></item>
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