There has been a lot of talk surrounding this film, in regards to the New Wave of Romanian cinema. With the arthouse success of films like The Death of Mr Lazarescu (2005, Cristi Puiu) and 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007, Cristian Mungiu), this is the latest Eastern European film receiving international acclaim, winning the Silver Bear at Berlin this year.
This powerful and slow-burning film is part of the Sydney Film Festival’s official competition. Travelling to Australia with the film is its star, George Pistereanu and its producer, Daniel Mitulescu, who made the film with director, Florin Şerban, in a rather unusual fashion. Set in a jail for young men, If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle/ En cand vreau sa fluier, fluier used a cast largely made up of actual juvenile prisoners. Fourteen of George’s cast mates where playing roles they were all too familiar with.
The film follows the central character, 18 yr old Silviu (Pistereanu) in the days leading up to his release after a 4-year-sentence, when unexpected news from the outside sends the character on a desperate and downward spiral.
Filmed in a suitable handheld visual, the camera stays on Silviu almost continuously during the film, giving even his smallest facial movement or gesture huge currency on screen.
Pistereanu, who was still at high school during filming, is phenomenally good in what must have been an incredibly challenging role, not just emotionally, but physically. Also superb are Ada Condeescu as Ana, the student sociologist and object of Silviu’s affections and young actor (whose name I cannot find) playing Silviu’s brother, who is only in the film briefly, but who’s performance is heartbreaking.
This film and the story surrounding its conception are inseparable. After 3 months of casting, Şerban and his crew found 14 young inmates to participate in the film, and spend 2 months workshopping with them. Şerban has since set up an acting school to continue working with the film’s convicted actors- adding to the film’s success. That it is the 2nd highest grossing local film of the past 7yrs, is perhaps the greatest compliment to the cast and crew, as this is obviously a story which resonates with Romania’s youth.
The Wind Journeys (Ciro Guerra: Colombia)
South American filmmakers seem to have developed their own brand of magical realism. Incorporating spectacular landscapes, folklore and societal realities, these films weave beautiful stories out of harsh everyday lives and mythical tales, creating films full of fantasy and wonder.
The Colombian film, The Wind Journeys/Los Viajes del Viento from director Ciro Guerra fulfils this criteria. Following our two leads, accomplished accordion player Ignacio (Marciano Martínez) and would-be musician, Fermín (Yull Núñez) as they cross vast areas of the country, travelling from their village across mountain rangers, lagoons and deserts.
Ignacio is the owner of a horned accordion, which is said to have been won from the Devil himself. Whether the instrument is truly cursed or not, Ignacio sees it as the cause of his woes and is determined to return it to his teacher, the man who gave it to him. As he set off on his donkey, the teenage Fermín tags alone, in the hope of learning from the renowned musician so he too can become a juglar (travelling musician).
Guerra and his DoP, Paulo Andrés Pérez are responsible for this film’s stunning aesthetic. Making the most of the breathtaking scenery, filmed in more than 80 locations in Northern Colombia, the characters’ journey is often shown in majestic glory with sweeping wide shots, enhancing the natural beauty of each unique setting.
Each geographical location has an episodic quality, with each new setting providing a different adventure and musical influence. With accordion-offs (similar to rap battles), machete duels and drum baptisms, the stories interspersed along the arching narrative are embedded with mythical tones and folk sensibilities.
Ultimately The Wind Journeys is held together by the excellent central performances. Especially impressive is Núñez, whose facial expressions in moments of silence do so much to reveal the story’s darker undertones.
This film is truly a magical journey with jaw-dropping visuals and powerful performances.
