Set in early 19th century Wallachia, Romania, a policeman, Costandin, is hired by a nobleman to find a Gypsy slave who has run away from his estate after having an affair with his wife.
Writing
Dialogue so sharp it cuts through 200 years of historical distance.
Cinematography
Stunning black-and-white that makes mud look like art.
Acting
Corban's Costandin: charming, ignorant, and utterly damning.
Director
Radu Jude
Teodor Corban
Costandin
Mihai Comanoiu
Ioniță
Toma Cuzin
Carfin Pandolean
Alexandru Dabija
Iordache
Luminița Gheorghiu
Craftsman's Wife
Victor Rebengiuc
Craftsman
Alexandru Bindea
Priest on the road
Mihaela Sîrbu
Sultana
Adina Cristescu
Zambila
Șerban Pavlu
Traveller
Gabriel Spahiu
Vasile
Mihai Bica
Traveller
Tibor Pálffy
Slugă
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Romani slavery in Romania was officially abolished in 1856—making this 'historical' film depict events only 160 years ago, barely two lifetimes.
Jude filmed in authentic Romany language and used historical documents for dialogue; the 'bromance' structure deliberately mirrors American cop films to implicate the viewer.
RO
