Usturoi (2014) User Reviews

Not your typical Eastern European movie

[m-panhuijsen · 10/10 · 12 September 2014]

You might expect a movie from Romania to deal with heavy subjects such as corruption, poverty and organized crime.

"Usturoi" does none of the above. Instead, it's a light-hearted and often hilarious road movie/mockumentary that follows the exploits of two boys (both played by impressive and talented child actors) from the Romanian countryside who are looking to make money in the big city for entirely unselfish motives.

Fast-paced and edited for optimal comedic effect by cutting back and forth between interviews with the movie's main players and the story as it unfolds, it's a feelgood movie from a region that too often has a "feelbad" reputation. Go see it!

A Wonderful Comedic Story of Romeo & Juliet from the View of His Brother

[sobephoto · 10/10 · 21 August 2014]

Even for one who speaks no Romanian, the subtitles often seem superfluous. The impressive acting and wonderful direction convey meaning without the need for spoken words. Who am I to write a review; just a fellow photographer lucky enough to have been invited to a screening. What is "Garlic?" - Nothing more than a timeless "Romeo and Juliet" written into a modern setting yet addressing age old problems in the language of two naïve but intuitive preteen boys. It is a tragedy reinvented as a comedy through the antics of the younger brother and his best friend. Not since Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn has the camaraderie of two boys from disparate backgrounds in a small community represented a microcosm of contemporary society. The boys' perception of the "irrational" adult world leads them to find a solution to their problem that may seem funny yet is completely logical in a Lewis Carroll sort of way; sending them on the way in their "cross-country" adventures and on to new discoveries which add a surprise twist to the plot. The story is presented in a novel way which can only be described as a docucomedy as in docudrama with a comedic twist.

Hidden Treasures

[aborta · 9/10 · 11 July 2014]

I mean, who would expect a treasure hidden within a comedy? Transylvanian Garlic seems to me such a treasure. It makes one laugh, and laugh with great joy, but it also shows some wonderful Romanian landscapes, great old music, a way of life that mixes ancient rituals with up-to-date technology and the amazing beauty of people everywhere. The magic of the local speech is lost in translation, but the rest is easily accessible. The very fabric of these people's life is brought to the eye and it is charming. A straightforward celebration of life!

It made me think that this is what filming must have been originally: someone with a camera catching the sparkle of life around so that others might join in the appreciation of it. Stories and pictures. I think this is how Transylvanian Garlic was created. Add passion and talent and you get this fresh, funny, incredibly alive movie. If you get to talk with Radu Bazavan (the writer) or to Lucian Alexandrescu (the director) they might tell that all they wanted was people to have 90 minutes of fun. Don't get fooled: they did much more than that. They make you feel so alive that when the movie ends you want to see it again right then.

A fresh breath of garlic ...

[ellieperla · 10/10 · 20 July 2014]

After a private viewing the Romanian movie "Usturoi" (Garlic) I just wanted everyone to see it. Generosity and hospitality are ingrained in the country's traditions, a place where a melting pot of nationalities have survived together for centuries. The makers of this gem captured the essence of the Romanian and Roma spirit, with lovely sarcasm, sharp images and rhythms, and a superb cast of almost entirely amateur actors. Good - as in good-hearted - comedies are rare, and the wit and charm of this movie has a truly global appeal. Like Gadjo Dilo before it, it exploits the boundless and unedited way of expression of the modern gypsy, to which a good dose of match-making-family-feud is added, reminiscent of My Big Fat Greek Wedding and the likes. "Usturoi" is for everyone who still believes in the human race. It will put a smile on your face.

Movies are not just about a good story

[manuellupu · 2/10 · 22 April 2017]

"Usturoi" definitely have a good story, but the movie is awfully made. Story 10/10. Screenplay 4/10. Direting 3/10. Photography 2/10. Editing 1/10. If you want to make a good movie, work with professionals. If you work with amateurs, then your movie is going to be an amateur movie. In my opinion, those kind of "movies" should be banned from cinemas, because they give wrong public education. So yeah, movies are not just about stories.

Best Romanian Comedy I've seen in years

[lorand-50-119078 · 10/10 · 11 July 2014]

"Usturoi", or "Transylvanian Garlic" as its know to the international audience is quite probably the best Romanian comedy to date.

It features the journey of two young boys on their way to "success" - and it really is the journey that makes up the entire movie, which is filled with local humor.

The cast, even though most are non-professional actors, is absolutely incredible and add to the originality of this movie.

At times you feel like you're watching a movie with commentary from the actors themselves, which is totally new in terms of Romanian comedy.

The portraying of local character types is frighteningly accurate and for the most part, totally hilarious.

Not adding to spoilers, but I do have to mention that some actors are actually Romanian bloggers and seeing them on screen emphasizes their "real-life" personalities and that always brings a wide smile to the audience.

This is a well crafted piece and considering that most of the cast (including writer) are at their first attempt, I consider it to be a little masterpiece of the genre.

Not authentic

[vargaradu · 2/10 · 15 October 2014]

This movie is not authentic in any way. Someone was comparing this to Gadjo Dilo: they are not similar in any way! The gypsies are not gypsies, the hungarians are not hungarian, almost every accent is forced. The idea of the movie is good (a mockumentary about the current life in a transylvanian village near Cluj), the stereotypes and relations between certain ethnical inhabitants are taken from reality, but the actual realization of the film is very poor. I felt like I was watching TV.

Another aspect besides poor acting and poor humor, is the fact that the editing and sound of the movie are very tiring, the cuts are very frequent, the shots are short, the music is loud and a lot of times inappropriate, the voices of the actors are often inaudible because of poor sound recording.

This is not authentic, this is a kitsch.

Usturoi silenced my inner voice

[robintel · 10/10 · 18 October 2014]

Usturoi is so good, so pure, so positive, it actually managed to silence my inner voice (reason) and keep me "flying" for several hours afterwards.

I can't even begin to describe how the soundtrack made me want to burst into dancing and how the innocence within the move reminded me of long- lost times that I all but forgot.

The Transylvanian scenery was beautiful, the people were beautiful in their imperfection, the story-line was authentic and pretty much all that can be seen in this move is a part of a greater lifestyle that embraces tradition with opportunity, the same way this movie embraces correctness and beauty.

I was speechless.

Thank you for the music! Thank you for the movie!

A must-see Romanian movie

[ioana-rijnetu · 10/10 · 16 July 2014]

I had the opportunity to watch the opening in Bucharest two days ago and I simply loved this movie. It's an independent film made by a young Romanian producer who presents the story of two kids dreaming to get famous, have a better life and become actors in Hollywood.

Filmed in a small village in Transylvania, where you learn more about the Onion and Garlic clans, their stories and the adventurous road trip of the kids to Hollywood, the movie is a delight! A simple and original concept with memorable scenes where you'll laugh a lot and you'll enjoy the authentic Transylvanian accent as well.

Personally, I think it's a Romanian movie different from what I've seen before, with an interesting and engaging story, great actors and a wonderful location. I highly recommend anyone to enjoy this comedy and relax for an hour and a half.

Sincere congrats to the producer and the entire team, they really did a great job!! Looking forward to seeing other movies made by them.

Best wishes, Clujul este fain :-)

Ioana

translated from

[riabinuska · 10/10 · 22 July 2014]

If you think you'll begin your lunch break again reading Groparu's blog, just to make sure (since it's Friday, and thou shalt not work one minute after noon, you'll definitely ruin your keyboard laughing while drinking coffee), you'll have to wait a little. He might be too tired to write anything. Well, let's assume he might have had a (well deserved) party last night.

Transylvanian Garlic (the movie), the one he's telling us about for two years now, really exists, it is done and it could be viewed for the first time last night, at Casa TIFF. Amongst others, by yours truly.

Now, if you ask me, Groparu managed to write a movie bearing his and his blog's resemblance, sweet as pie, salt-of-the-earth good, light and tickling as a feather. However, please do not picture Groparu as ethereal and sweet. As you may notice, he's a rather big piece of Transylvanian. Actually, the first and last two of the attributes are related to his blog, and not himself.

Now, the movie: I must admit, I did not laugh this long and loud at a movie I am watching for the very first time for 20 years now. Quite a long time, isn't it? There will be no spoiler. If you want more details, please visit the movie's website. However, I am not recommending, but ordering you to go and watch it, or else... Do that for the idea, for the script (written by Groparu himself), for the production he's sacrificed his own money on, for the director, the actors (professionals and amateurs), the famous bloggers who did not hesitate to guest star and, last, but not least, for the two child actors, somewhat taller now, so beautiful and talented you might feel the urge to give them a hug and a kiss on their foreheads.

(And in case of doubt, I am the author of the Romanian version)

A departure Smart with humor, place, and delivery throughout

[jadsobe · 10/10 · 20 July 2014]

Lucky as I attended a private screening of this movie recently in Miami. Little did I expect as I could only think of how my first experience with foreign films was much about being nice with story telling. Not only did a nice delivery win my hard to get editing thumbs up but casting characters via the locale and relevance of each role made for a very strong and smart silliness for enjoying this movie. The mix of minds and words all within the story line delivered far past those jaded minded lookers minds for the pure fun of it all. Simple messages in life are delivered as most relevant and at the right time. Think Babette's Feast.

An authentic Transylvanian adventure

[melinte · 9/10 · 15 September 2014]

This is a great example of what Romanian movies should be like: it's fun, it's happy, positive and it isn't about communism. It tells the story of two children who, wanting to get some quick cash so one of their brothers can marry the girl of his dreams, decide to become actors and take on an adventure to get to Hollywood to fulfill their dream. So they need to get to Hollywood (in Cluj), become actors, make lots of money and be back to their village until sundown because they have school tomorrow.

It's a beautifully shot movie, with great Transylvanian landscapes, with great music and adventures, with authentic characters and great dialogue (it really helps if you're Romanian). Aside from the pacing, which is kind of unusual in the first half of the movie but picks up afterwards, I find no flaw in it.

It's really a fun, entertaining piece of cinema.

And indie comedy that's way better than most of high budget movies

[ripahoratiu-137-156006 · 9/10 · 19 October 2014]

"All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it." (Antoine de Saint-Exupery) Well, this is this movie is about. And more.

First you cannot avoid to relate to Kusturica's "Black cat, white cat" but pretty soon you'll find out something completely different.

"Usturoi" is about being human, being kind and it's about innocence. It touches even hard themes like chauvinism/racism not from a philosophical-social frown perspective but through the eyes of the children or the heart of a mother and reminds us that we're all the same, just in different contexts. The movie doesn't pretend to be profound and mind blowing, it's a extremely positive fair comedy, but, interesting enough, it lets behind some unfinished home-works about own pre- and mis- conceptions.

And IT'S A COMEDY! You laugh watching it. I'm tired of comedies that didn't even make me smile; boring and full of stereotypes. It's a real comedy, a positive one, not a satire, you enjoy this movie. You don't have the feeling that you stupidly lost two hours of your life.

Last but not least, the film is excellent, without lowering your expectations knowing the fact that it's a (very) low budget independent production. From all the points of view. It's a "must see".

Usturoi - Transylvanian Garlic

[orangejumper · 10/10 · 22 October 2014]

I loved this movie! A well crafted and thoughtful story, packed with interesting, quirky and funny characters from a community whose everyday lives are a literal mystery to the vast majority of those watching. The two main characters, young lads whose desire to help leads them to attempt to make real their fevered flights of fancy, embark on a road trip to what really was, for a brief period, the Hollywood of Romania - Cluj. How they get there, the comical encounters along the way, and the family secret ultimately revealed to them makes for a heart warming story that will bring a genuine smile to your face. No doubt this film was an act of passion for the Producers but for us, the audience, their no doubt herculean effort was truly worth it!

Raw Transylvanian garlic!

[auricr · 10/10 · 6 September 2016]

Funny story in a novel! I had the opportunity to watch this movie at a private screening in Miami. It had me and the whole crowd in the room laughing the whole movie. Telling a great story about gypsies and using a raw location- a small village in Transylvania, this movie is something I haven't seen before.

Such a great idea to bring in light the still untouched part of Romania and it's mixture of nationalities that migrate there and never left: gypsies in this particular film, Hungarians, Germans, etc The visuals, the acoustic...such a perfect blend.

Impressive acting with a sarcastic and comedic twist from professional and AMATEUR actors. Great story and great directing and editing! Bravo

Wonderful Garlic Scent from the Land of Dracula

[monyilea · 10/10 · 20 July 2015]

Even if you're not a big fan of Romanian movies (like me), because they're a mostly darkish, dreary, flat display of Communist times, you'll love this movie because it's nothing like that and it will really make you burst out laughing. So ya, Romanian-Film Allergy dies under Garlic!

Garlic is a fresh, funny, positive movie, with an original plot, great music and well-paced rhythm (especially to the end). The two perky child-protagonists are a genuine talent, very gifted and authentically imperfect, just like most of the non-professional cast. Watching the entertaining story of the two Gypsy clans is like watching a shred of authentic Transylvanian life, always tempted to ask yourself if this is really real, 'cause it surely seems so. Naïve, twisted and idealistic, the adventure of the two children to Hollywood is actually the daring adventure of this film, having the exact amount of foolishness and (especially ethnic) cliché-mocking to make it a brilliant comedy. There's also a lot of truth hidden in many jokes.

Definitely worth seeing, not to mention it's an independent film on a very low budget!

Congrats to the entire crew and cast! Hope to be continued

Romeo and Juliet of Romania

[silvianguranda-911-337348 · 10/10 · 18 December 2015]

Two young Gypsies, a he and a she, from different clans - "Onion" and "Garlic" - fall in love, but Xenovia's parents, wealthier, (Garlic), do not want to give her after that poor young man from Onion clan, without a substantial dowry.

A sort of Romeo and Juliet of Romania.

Two kids, a gypsy one from Onion clan, wants to help his cousin with money to give dowry to marry Garlic Zenovia clan. The other kid, a Romanian - what a wonderful friendship between the two, one Gypsy, another Romanian, beautiful and pure as between teenagers! - wants to help him.

And they consider how to get money ...

Politicians, no... They steal.

Soccer players, no... They snort white powder. etc.

Finally, they want to become... actors! Actors for a day! And they leave for Hollywood in Cluj! (that's the name of the Iulius Mall cinema - "Hollywood"): P

The run from school classes. Strain like detectives in action with their imaginary guns... On the road to "Hollywood", countless adventures! And humorous reflections (not just for children)! A whole adventure!

Finally, the police catch them and bring them home by car. But meanwhile, on the road, the policemen just tell them a secret that will make the young man from Onion clan rich, so he would be able to marry Xenovia!

Happy end! Really a Transylvanian comedy gem!