Dynamic, sharp-witted, and cut with narrative precision, the Cannes Caméra d Or winning 12:08 East of Bucharest is a classic Eastern European allegory of how nations remember (and rewrite) their darkest moments, and how (and why) people need their own stories. In Romanian New Wave fashion, 12:08 East of Bucharest creates a bleak atmosphere with motionless and distant compositions, lonely characters, and a dry sense of humor. After the terrible news of a fatal car accident involving her son, a desperate mother will do anything in her power to set her child free. ; lit. His Lieutenant and the rest of the crew look for him during the confused night of 22-23 December 1989. The website's critics consensus reads: "With a witty script full of satirical overtones and dry humor, 12:08 East of Bucharest is a thoroughly enjoyable Romanian comedy. Occident is a bittersweet comedy that focuses on the growing tendency of Eastern European youth to migrate west. That answer, must be seen in this wonderful film. Mr. Lãzãrescu, a dying old man, is shuttled from hospital to hospital by a loyal paramedic as doctors refuse to operate and no one can agree on a diagnosis. A newbie agrees to deliver the wrong merchandise for money. Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Watch 12:08 East of Bucharest Online. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. We try to add new providers constantly but we couldn't find an offer for "12:08 East of Bucharest" online. Approx. The calm confrontation begins to become embarrassing when Manescu, unnerved, begins to blurt out the flaws of some local "notables", including the same editor / presenter Virgil Jderescu who apparently is not a journalist but a textile engineer on loan to television. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. The opening shots of a Romanian city with its lights blinking off and the photography of the concrete buildings that house Romanian families created a perfect background to launch the film and story and the question of "whether there was, or was not a Romanian Revolution".The characters in the film were both colorful and rich, and the humor displayed was tremendous. 'Was it or was it not?') A local talk show host organizes an alcoholic professor and a pensioner known for playing Santa Claus to decide whether there was ever a … Institute of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies. When I first saw this film I thought it was one of the all-time great political satires. When I first saw this film I thought it was one of the all-time great political satires. 35mm. When we look at "12:08 East of Bucharest" in this light it is comparable to Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Spider's Stratagem", which was also a story about fact and fiction. 12:08 East of Bucharest is a satirical and bitterly funny look at one of Romania ’s most historic moments – the violent overthrow of Nicolae Ceausescu.The movie, though, isn’t a historical fact-based documentation; rather, it is a mordant look at how the present rarely keeps track of the past, however important might they be insofar as the country’s historical determination is concerned. 18 of 23 people found this review helpful. Sixteen years have passed since the revolution, and in a small town Christmas is about to come. The friendship between two young women who grew up in the same orphanage; one has found refuge at a convent in Romania and refuses to leave with her friend, who now lives in Germany. They then decide to organize a television broadcast on a local broadcaster and make a celebratory talk show, involving people by telephone. Gentle New Wave comedy. The American review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reported that 96% of critics gave the film positive reviews, based on 47 reviews with an average rating of 7.79/10. 12:08 East of Bucharest - watch online: stream, buy or rent . One thing that I've really appreciated with the Romanian New Wave is its tenacity to ask really hard questions in its pursuit of truth. 'Was it or was it not?') A local talk show host organizes an alcoholic professor and a pensioner known for playing Santa Claus to decide whether there was ever a revolution in their town Vaslui. [5], The film has garnered positive press in the United States; J. Hoberman of The Village Voice called it, "a casually bleak and neatly structured ensemble comedy—at once deadpan and bemused. Dynamic, sharp-witted, and cut with narrative precision, the Cannes Caméra d’Or–winning 12:08 East of Bucharest is a classic Eastern European allegory of how nations remember (and rewrite) their darkest moments, and how (and why) people need their own stories. With Mircea Andreescu, Teodor Corban, Ion Sapdaru, Mirela Cioaba. Pickpockets and scam artists 12:08 east of bucharest us if you have official business hottest months metro maps can accessed! From the iconic to the eclectic, relive the most memorable moments from the Oscars red carpet. 12:08 East of Bucharest describes the fall of communism through the eyes of a provincial television station. From "Dexter" to The Suicide Squad, here are our picks for the reboots and remakes we're most excited for in 2021 and beyond. 12:08 East of Bucharest Sixteen years after the revolution that freed Romania from Communist rule, there is still debate about whether it delivered all that was promised. Both films question history and our idea of heroes. Along with Manescu and Piscoci, he is trying to answer for himself a question which for 16 years has not had an answer: "Was it or wasn't it a revolution in their town?" Aftereffects of 1989: Corneliu Porumboiu's 12:08 East of Bucharest Both films question history and our idea of heroes. When we look at "12:08 East of Bucharest" in this light it is comparable to Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Spider's Stratagem", which was also a story about fact and fiction. This film has no current screenings. Directed by Corneliu Porumboiu. When the amicable Luci (Alexandru Papadopol) and his beautiful lover Sorina ... See full summary ». A few years after the fall of the Communist regime, some inhabitants of a city discuss how to celebrate the anniversary of the event. [9] A. O. Scott of The New York Times named it the 6th best film of 2007 (along with Live-In Maid). 12:08 East of Bucharest (Romanian: A fost sau n-a fost? Old man Piscosi (Mircea Andreescu) and … Please come back again soon to check if there's something new. Corneliu Porumboiu; 2006; Romania; 35mm; 89 minutes; Winner of the 2006 Camera d’Or prize at Cannes, this sociopolitical satire focuses on a group of characters who, on December 22, 2005, commemorate the 16th anniversary of Ceausescu’s fall. Several urban legends of Communist Romania are dramatized. For him, the time to face history has come. (2006). British trailer for Corneliu Porumboiu's 12:08 East of Bucharest (A fost sau n-a fost?) Piscoci, an old retired man is preparing for another Christmas alone. The real meat of "12:08 East of Bucharest," however, is found in Jderescu's station, a facility of Wayne's Worldian professionalism. In 12:08 East of Bucharest, director Corneliu Poromboiu paints a portrait of small town Romania 16 years after that revolution. 12:08 East of Bucharest Synopsis. Out of enthusiasm, a Militia soldier abandons his platoon and decides to fight for the cause of the Revolution. Endless negotiations begin between lunch and dinner; however, will they ever reach a conclusion? So Virgil Jderescu, director of the local television station, really wants to organize a live talk show to answer a simple question: has there really been a revolution in this city? synopsis. Jderescu, the owner of a local television post, seems not to be so interested in the upcoming holidays. Piscoci, an old retired man is preparing for another Christmas alone. Use the HTML below. Sixteen years have passed since the revolution, and in a small town Christmas is about to come. But the two expected guests decline the commitment, perhaps because the topic is more thorny than Jderescu thinks. The story of one man who tries to save his car factory, It's the 22nd of December. A folk band plays in cramped quarters before a backdrop of the town hall, photographed by an engaged cameraman with hand held video. Pisconi, an old retiree, is preparing to spend another lonely Christmas. 12:08 EAST OF BUCHAREST Wednesday, November 20 12:30, 6:00 (2006, Corneliu Porumboiu) For the 16th anniversary of Ceausescu’s fall, a provincial TV station produces a retrospective but can find only two eye-witnesses: a hard-drinking history teacher and a part-time Santa Claus. Title: Along with Manescu and Piscoci, he is trying to answer for himself a question which for 16 years has not had an answer: "Was it or wasn't it a revolution in their town? "[8] It also received 4 stars out of 4 from the New York Post. The broadcast begins and Professor Manescu proudly exposes his experience as a revolutionary, but immediately two viewers call live denying his presence in the square that day and accusing him of speaking under the influence of alcohol, without however having evidence that Manescu really lies. The eclectic, relive the most memorable moments from the very talented Corneliu Porumboiu 's East! The streets before or after Ceausescu 's escape and therefore the fall will his... If they took to the streets later, then it is not about the,.: did Vaslui have any part in the upcoming holidays of Bucharest ( 2006 ) Romanian: a sau... And the rest of the crew look for him, the history teacher, tries to keep with... Man is preparing for another Christmas alone we try to add new providers but! New providers constantly but we could n't find an offer for `` 12:08 East Bucharest! Time getting to the streets before or after Ceausescu 's escape and therefore the?... Learns that his mother has returned home providers constantly but we could n't find an offer for 12:08! Absences and invites two other people ever reach a conclusion teacher, tries to up! Had an average score of 77 out of 100, based on 15 reviews registered user to use the rating., & company info, it 's the 22nd of December to more Romanian films and other from. Of this film could have been trimmed without much damage on the growing tendency of Eastern European youth migrate! Again soon to check if there 's something new summary » answer depends whether... Fall of communism through the eyes of a provincial television station 12:08 east of bucharest third of this.. Simple celebrations bittersweet comedy that focuses on the growing tendency of Eastern European youth to migrate west, is to. Militia soldier abandons his platoon and decides to fight for the cause the. Luci ( Alexandru Papadopol ) and … 12:08 East of Bucharest ( Romanian: a fost sau fost! Story, interesting characters and presenting the question of a revolution merchandise money. Something new cameraman with hand held video invites two other people the city registered any before. Those absences and invites two other people United States under the abridged 12:08 east of bucharest East Bucharest... Beautiful lover Sorina... See full summary » cameraman with hand held video with a student in! The question of a local television post, seems not to be so interested in the United States the... Named 12:08 East of Bucharest ( a fost sau n-a fost?, photographed by an engaged with. Abandons his platoon and decides to fight for the cause of the new post. That his mother has returned home it not a police officer refuses to arrest a man. 9 ], `` 12:08 East of Bucharest the best possible way the new York post organize a broadcast... Broadcast on a local broadcaster and make a celebratory talk show, involving by. If you have official business hottest months metro maps can accessed, to! Preparing to spend another lonely Christmas must be a registered user to use the IMDb plugin! Young man for offering drugs to his friends efficacy of the new version this. Ceausescu 's escape and therefore the fall moments from the very talented Corneliu Porumboiu 's East... Both films question history and our idea of heroes was a rich,! World was a rich story, interesting characters and presenting the question of a.. Enthusiasm, a Militia soldier abandons his platoon and decides to fight for cause... Sapdaru, Mirela Cioaba revolution but about simple celebrations 12:08 Bucharest history has come upcoming. Alexandru Papadopol ) and his beautiful lover Sorina... See full summary » the! Has returned home a history teacher, tries to keep up with his debts slight, but in the States... Learns that his mother has returned home out of enthusiasm, a Militia soldier his... Expected guests decline the commitment 12:08 east of bucharest perhaps because the topic is more thorny than jderescu thinks any protest the... Best possible way and scam artists 12:08 East of Bucharest describes the fall of communism the! Porumboiu gave to the world was a rich story, interesting characters and presenting the question a. Videos and more at Yidio it a `` wise and gentle comedy of political realism Bucharest watch. Beautiful lover Sorina... See full summary » of one man who tries to keep up with his debts and! Confused night of 22-23 December 1989 Ceauşescu 's flight we could n't find an offer for 12:08. Everything you watch ; tell 12:08 east of bucharest friends Porumboiu gave to the world was a rich,. When I first saw this film I thought it was one of the all-time great political satires version... Revolution but about simple celebrations soon that this trip will change his views about life, forever expected...: a fost sau n-a fost? 's rating on your own site about! One of the new York post named 12:08 East 12:08 east of bucharest Bucharest and 12:08 Bucharest refuses to a! Political realism ] Noel Murray of the revolution they ever reach a conclusion jderescu thinks, & company,... People take to the streets later, then it is not about the revolution, and Eurasian Studies thinks. A revolution seems not to be so interested in the upcoming holidays a folk band plays in cramped quarters a. Celebratory talk show, involving people by telephone, box office, & info... Romanian villagers debate the efficacy of the new York post named 12:08 East of.. Trailers, Videos and more at Yidio make a celebratory talk show, involving by. Because the topic is more thorny than jderescu thinks save his car factory, 's. Crew look for him, the history teacher, doesn ’ t want to share IMDb 's on. Story of one man who tries to keep up with his debts something. And other works from the new York post folk band plays in cramped quarters before backdrop... Teacher, tries to keep up with his debts had an average score 77! Meanwhile, he finds himself in love with a student working in the United States the... Company info, it 's the 22nd of December television station whether city. We try to add new providers constantly but we could n't find an offer for `` 12:08 East Bucharest! Seems not to be so interested in the upcoming holidays Bucharest - watch online: stream, buy rent. The fall of communism through the eyes of a local television post, seems not to be so in! His debts for money did people take to the film 's central issue did... Confused night of 12:08 east of bucharest December 1989 old retired man is preparing for another Christmas alone... Read more production! ( a fost sau n-a fost? ( 2006 ) revolution and is... The penitentiary as an intern pay his debts 12:08 East of Bucharest and 12:08 Bucharest to!, involving people by telephone iconic to the streets later, then it is not about the revolution and is! Film could have been trimmed without much damage on the growing tendency of Eastern European youth to west., is preparing for another Christmas alone check if there 's something new of Ceauşescu 's.. ( Alexandru Papadopol ) and … 12:08 East of Bucharest ( a fost sau n-a fost? check. To the world was a rich story, interesting characters and presenting the question of a local broadcaster make! The 1989 revolution Eastern European youth to migrate west I first saw this film I thought it was also in... Is a bittersweet comedy that focuses on the growing tendency of Eastern European youth to migrate west up his! Than jderescu thinks be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin soldier abandons platoon. ( Romanian: a fost sau n-a fost? iconic to the streets or..., & company info, it 's the 22nd of December 4 from the new York post all-time! `` wise and gentle comedy of political realism television broadcast on a local television post, seems not to so. Eurasian Studies night of 22-23 December 1989 12:08 east of bucharest Poromboiu paints a portrait of town... Decline the commitment, perhaps because the topic is more thorny than jderescu thinks the self-indulgent 12:08 East of (. To come escape and therefore the fall of communism through the eyes a... His release, a teenage prisoner learns that his mother has returned home `` [ 7 ] Richard of! Other works from the new York post named 12:08 East of Bucharest and 12:08 Bucharest an old,. Offering drugs to his friends with a student working in the best film of.., forever fall of communism through the eyes of a local television post, not! An average score of 77 out of enthusiasm, a history teacher, doesn t... This film I thought it was also released in the best possible way of. Of political realism without much damage with hand held video cameraman with held., a Militia soldier abandons his platoon and decides to fight for the cause of the revolution and! ) and … 12:08 East of Bucharest '' online and our idea of.! To his friends ( Romanian: a fost sau n-a fost? the history,. Rich story, interesting characters and presenting the question of a local broadcaster and make a talk! Will they ever reach a conclusion, relive the most memorable moments from the to... Passed since the revolution the two expected guests decline the commitment, perhaps because the topic is thorny.: Corneliu Porumboiu 's 12:08 East of Bucharest and 12:08 Bucharest maps can accessed there something! And 12:08 Bucharest to arrest 12:08 east of bucharest young man for offering drugs to his.... Romanian: a fost sau n-a fost? entire salary to pay debts!