4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days (2008)

O Masterpiece
X Excellent
O Good
O OK
O Mediocrity
O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / January 11, 2009

Without question, “4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days” has the saddest scene I have ever witnessed in the cinema. The sadness is so profound during this moment, it disquiets the soul. If you’ve seen this film, you’ll know exactly what I’m referring to. I dare say it’s unforgettable — I know I’ll never forget it.

“4 Months, 3 Weeks, and 2 Days” tells a simple story (with complex implications), but it’s a horrifying one. Not horrifying in the same way as some slasher flick or a supernatural monster movie, but this film is alarming for its stark plausibility. It could happen; it has happened; it does happen.

Somewhat like Lars von Trier’s “Dogville” (2003), “4 Months…” is troubling for what it purports about the unscrupulousness of at least some of those around us. None of the native residents in “Dogville” was a serial killer — and no one in “4 Months…” is a serial killer (though I guess that’s debatable, technically speaking), but both films provoke our worrisome speculation about what your next-door neighbor might be capable of within the privacy of his or her own home.

Set in Romania in 1987, “4 Months…” is a film about a young woman named Gabriela (Laura Vasiliu) who wants to get an abortion, but at that time in Romania, abortions were illegal. (Roger Ebert noted in his review that Romania was under the rule of Nicolae Ceausescu, who forbade abortions not for moral reasons but because he “wanted more subjects to rule.”)

The expecting “Gabita,” as she is called, is determined to undergo the procedure, so she and her friend, Otilia (Anamaria Marinca), seek out the services of a black-market abortionist (Vlad Ivanov). And we follow along and watch the two girls’ perilous events.

Notably, it’s difficult to take a definitive stance on whether “4 Months…” is pro- or anti-abortion. To me, the film paints such bleakness on both sides of the fence, it seems to purposely state the opposing cases (abortion equals murder — versus — desperate times call for unsafe measures) to remove itself from the fray that it may be free to tell its story.

I wouldn’t call this film entertaining; in fact, it’s decidedly unpleasant to watch. But regardless of your feelings — whether you’re pro-life or pro-choice — I think every adult should see this film.

“4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” has the capacity to truly be a life-changing film for advocates of either moral position.

Directed by Cristian Mungiu
Anamaria Marinca / Laura Vasiliu / Vlad Ivanov
Drama 113 min.
MPAA: Not Rated (but R)

U.S. Release Date: January 25, 2008
Copyright 2008: 321