Credited cast: | |||
Mimi Branescu | ... | Paul Hanganu | |
Mirela Oprisor | ... | Adriana Hanganu | |
Maria Popistasu | ... | Raluca | |
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Sasa Paul-Szel | ... | Mara |
Victor Rebengiuc | ... | Nucu | |
Dragos Bucur | ... | Cristi | |
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Dana Dembinski Medeleanu | ... | Ralusca's mother |
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Silvia Nastase | ... | Ica |
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Adrian Vancica | ... | Mircea Dumbraveanu |
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Carmen Lopazan | ... | Cosmina |
Ioana Blaj | ... | Narcisa | |
Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Claudiu Dumitru | ... | Vanzator de brazi |
Paul, a banker in Bucharest, has been married for ten years to Adriana and they have an adored daughter Mara. The child has tooth problems which are being tended by Raluca, an attractive young orthodontist. Since first seeing her in the summer, Paul has been having a secret affair with her. But, as Christmas approaches, tensions mount. While he loves both women, Raluca tells him what he already knows: that he must choose. When he says to his wife that he is in love with Raluca, she orders him to move out and to say nothing to Mara. The round of Christmas festivities then begins, with the couple pretending outwardly that nothing is wrong. Action is postponed until the Tuesday after Christmas. Written by Wiki
A Romanian man must choose between his wife and his lover. The pacing is very deliberate. Scenes are filmed in long takes and little happens in terms of plot or action. However, the leisurely approach allows the viewer to get to know the characters, who are all very real. The characters and situations are so real that one can empathize with their plight. The acting is excellent all around. Branescu is not able to shine in the unsympathetic role of the man in the love triangle. However, Oprisor as the wife and Popistasu as the lover both turn in wonderfully natural performances. Muntean is a talented writer-director, someone to keep an eye on.