Dracula's Guide to Romania

In no particular order, here are our recommendations:

Philanthropy (Filantropica) – 2002

Genre: Comedy/Dark comedy

Considered by many a classic, Filantropica’s spirit is still with us, even 21 years after its release. Several lines from it such as “Mâna întinsă care nu spune o poveste nu primește pomană” (The hand that doesn’t tell a story receives nothing) are still used in our day to day vocabulary, even if some might not realize where the quote came from.

It might be labeled as a comedy, but behind the scene it truly depicts the unfulfilling life of a teacher with big dreams, that struggles with money, lack of appreciation from people from the publishing industry and his inability to sell his books. He finds an escape by getting involved with the mob, while falling in love and chasing an unapproachable woman. This is the “American Beauty” of the Romanian cinema.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (4 luni, 3 sptamani, 2 zile) – 2007

Genre: Drama

The movie deals with the issue of illegal abortion in Romania during the Communist era. It is a powerful portrayal of the difficulties faced by women in that period and it reveals another crack in the system.

The film won numerous awards including Cannes Film Festival,  Palme d’Or, Best Film at the European Film Awards and Romania’s national Gopo Awards.

The Goat and Her Three Kids (Capra cu trei iezi) – 2022

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Based on one of the best-known Romanian folk tales (The Goat and Her Three Kids by Ion Creanga), the movie manages to immerse the viewer with its beautiful picturesque locations and eerie mood. It is a tragic and suspenseful experience, a journey that will not let you indifferent.

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu (Moartea domnului Lăzărescu) – 2005

Genre: Comedy, Drama

It reveals in a very brutal and natural way the reality of the healthcare system and its issues, which most of us experienced it in some way, unfortunately.

Silent Weeding (Nunta Muta) – 2008

Genre: Comedy, Drama, History

Tragedy meets comedy in an unexpected manner when the joyful event of marriage is overshadowed by the death of a party member. There is a thin line between imagination, surrealism and historical facts in this movie and it shows the adaptability of the Romanian people.There are many interesting layers to explore when it comes to this movie.

You can watch it directly on YouTube: