Through the lens of actual historical events, the director manages to explore the humanity of each of his major characters, with their ideals, quirks and vulnerabilities. It's the story of a group of people railroaded by history, a story of how things can go terribly wrong despite everyone's efforts to do good.
The director has managed to make a fast-paced movie while at the same time taking the time to develop his characters in unexpected directions. Whatever stereotypes you bring to this movie, they'll be challenged by a disarming humanity (and by the construction of the plot). And if you don't have any stereotypes to bring to the movie, it's a timeless lesson on the blind workings of history in times of social unrest.
More than anything else I've seen or read on this subject, this movie made me re-live the confusing but adrenaline-laden moments of December 1989 in Bucharest.
The director has managed to make a fast-paced movie while at the same time taking the time to develop his characters in unexpected directions. Whatever stereotypes you bring to this movie, they'll be challenged by a disarming humanity (and by the construction of the plot). And if you don't have any stereotypes to bring to the movie, it's a timeless lesson on the blind workings of history in times of social unrest.
More than anything else I've seen or read on this subject, this movie made me re-live the confusing but adrenaline-laden moments of December 1989 in Bucharest.