Watch 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a Romanian drama film released in 2007, directed by Cristian Mungiu. It stars Anamaria Marinca, Laura Vasiliu and Vlad Ivanov in lead roles. The film depicts the story of two college students struggling to organize an illegal abortion for one of them in 1987 communist Romania, a time when abortion was illegal and punishable by imprisonment for both the provider and receiver.

The movie starts with Otilia (played by Anamaria Marinca), a student, helping her roommate Gabriela (played by Laura Vasiliu), who is pregnant, to get an illegal abortion. Together they make arrangements with a shady abortionist named Bebe (played by Vlad Ivanov). They soon discover that the whole process is risky, both legally and physically, and requires a great deal of money that they do not have. But despite the risks, they decide to go on with the plan.

Over the course of the movie, Otilia and Gabriela go through several obstacles and barriers to carry out their plan. Gabriela, who is in deep distress, struggles to maintain a sense of normalcy, while Otilia has to deal with the repercussions of her actions, as she tries to juggle social calls with her boyfriend's family and make spot decisions to save Gabriela's life.

Through their journey, Mungiu emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of abortion in Romania, such as the financial, legal and sociopolitical pressures imposed upon women when they want to make decisions about their own bodies. Moreover, the director makes the audience face the moral questions involved, as well as the complexity of relationships when confronted with ethical dilemmas. Despite the somber subject matter, the film is exceptionally well-made, tightly structured, and displays an unseen reality.

The outstanding performances by the cast also add depth to the movie, especially Anamaria Marinca, who plays Otilia. Her restrained and subtle portrayal of Otilia's inner turmoil showcases her character's strength and sense of responsibility amidst the chaos of the situation. Laura Vasiliu, as Gabriela, delivers a convincing performance of a vulnerable woman overwhelmed by her circumstances. Her despair, anxiety and pain bring the audience closer to her character's subjective experience.

Vlad Ivanov, as Bebe, beautifully portrays the character's hesitancy and oscillation between his illegal practices and his morality. Through his dialogue and interactions, the audience is exposed to the mentality of characters that gravitate towards exploitation of the vulnerable.

The film's cinematography is another highlight, providing a sharp contrast for the tense atmosphere the characters are in. The camera is intimate with the characters and holds onto long takes, exposing their raw emotions. The use of handheld camera work and natural lighting by cinematographer Oleg Mutu intensifies the visuals, providing a distinct sensation of the oppressive environment the characters are living amidst.

Overall, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a masterfully portrayed, raw and unflinching film that deals with real social and moral issues of its time. It depicts a daunting reality where women's vulnerability is exploited, and their lives and futures are put at risk. The movie is an eye-opener that not only addresses the problem of illegal abortions but also raises awareness about the various factors that make pregnancies a complex issue even today. Cristian Mungiu's movie is a reminder of the struggle that women go through in their fight to protect their bodies, their futures, and their dignity.

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days is a 2007 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9 and a MetaScore of 97.