Considering its length, Marilena could well be thought of as a little masterpiece. The reason: it naturally captures the essence of life in a Bucharest ghetto: a gypsy Elvis impersonator (who sings Love me Tender in gypsy), the dirty facades of the projects built in the Ceausescu era and forgotten in that dilapidated state, and the people who inhabit them all remind one of a nightmarish atmosphere no one would even want to come close to. Nemescu's gift is in rendering that atmosphere not only accessible to anyone, but even attractive and interesting. Got a great reception at Cannes this year, and if it ever finds a distributor I am sure it will get a similar one in the States.
Review of Marilena from P7
