Watch Aferim!

Aferim! is a Romanian film from 2015 directed by Radu Jude. The film takes place in Wallachia in the early 19th century, a time when Romani people were enslaved and treated as second-class citizens. The movie is shot in black and white, which adds to the gritty and realistic atmosphere of the film. The story follows the journey of a local constable, Costandin (Teodor Corban), and his son, Ionita (Mihai Comanoiu), as they travel through the Romanian countryside in search of a runaway Gypsy slave named Carfin (played by Cuzin Toma). Costandin is a man who embodies the values of his time, including a belief in the superiority of the Romanian people and a willingness to use violence to achieve his ends. He is also deeply devoted to the Orthodox Christian faith, which he uses to justify his actions.

As Costandin and Ionita travel through the countryside, they encounter a variety of characters, all of whom have their own perspectives on slavery and the role of Romani people in society. These encounters allow the film to explore a wide range of themes, including identity, morality, and the legacy of slavery.

One of the most striking things about Aferim! is the way that it depicts the relationship between Costandin and Ionita. Although Costandin clearly loves his son, he is also a harsh and demanding father who expects his son to obey him without question. This dynamic is complicated by the fact that Ionita is at an age where he is starting to question his father's authority and the values that he represents.

As the film progresses, the tension between father and son reaches a boiling point, forcing both characters to confront some difficult truths about themselves and their world. This subplot adds an emotional depth to the film that is often lacking in historical dramas.

One of the other strengths of Aferim! is its attention to historical accuracy. The filmmakers have clearly done their research, and the film is full of small details that bring the world of 19th-century Romania to life. This attention to detail extends to the film's use of language. Although the characters speak in Romanian, the filmmakers have made an effort to capture the distinct dialects and accents of the time, which adds to the film's authenticity.

Another notable aspect of Aferim! is its use of humor. Although the film deals with heavy themes, there are moments of levity throughout that help to break up the tension. These moments also serve to underscore the absurdity of the social norms and beliefs that are being portrayed.

Overall, Aferim! is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores an important chapter in Romanian history. Although the film deals with some difficult themes, it is never didactic or preachy. Instead, it presents a complex and nuanced portrait of a society in which slavery was an accepted part of everyday life.

Aferim! is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 84.