Balanta

Society has always been depraved and almost worthless in its general aspects. Now, to look at how people behave during a detention-like state is even more interesting, which swiftly brings me to the following affirmation: living under a dictatorship draws a clear distinction between the elite and the rest. It elevates true values, which unfortunately have to be kept under secrecy due to the paranoid mentality of the government. But the beauty of it, the absolute splendor is to see how these courageous people come together, despite having to sacrifice and risk a lot. I suppose people with similar traits are drawn to one another out of pure instinct.

"Balanta" portrays the destiny of two people who daringly oppose the regime, not for their own fate, but for the fate of those around them who deserve it. Their brave madness is shockingly amusing and thrives within the viewer. Even though playing against the rules can be very tricky, if done according to the (unwritten) book, it can prove extremely rewarding, especially for the spirit. Despite its sometimes eye-brow raising dialogue, Maia Morgenstern and Razvan Vasilescu scratch up reasonably good and humorous performances, pumping adrenaline into the film itself.

The movie is an awe-inspiring tribute to those who could(can) simply not adapt to the nearly psychotic way of life lead by many under totalitarian regimes. Pintile cleverly points out the discrepancies between "actual" normality and the state of things during times when normal becomes strangely unfamiliar. "Balanta" is a worthy picture, especially given its controversial nature.