Watch Filantropica

Filantropica is a Romanian black comedy-drama movie from 2002 directed by Nae Caranfil. The story revolves around Ovidiu (Mircea Diaconu), a high school teacher who quits his job to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. However, his plans are jeopardized when he meets his former classmate Pepe (Gheorghe Dinica), the owner of a small-time charity foundation.

Pepe, a self-proclaimed philanthropist, hires Ovidiu as a fundraiser for his foundation, and Ovidiu reluctantly accepts the job. However, Ovidiu soon finds out that the charity is nothing but a fraud, and Pepe and his employees are embezzling the donations. The rest of the movie follows Ovidiu's efforts to uncover the truth about the charity and his struggles with his own morality.

The movie explores themes of corruption, morality, and human nature through a mix of dark humor, satire, and drama. The characters are well-defined and relatable, with each one hiding their own secrets and flaws. Ovidiu's character, in particular, is well-developed, and the movie follows his journey from a naive and idealistic teacher to a disillusioned and conflicted individual.

The cinematography is excellent, and the movie captures the essence of Bucharest, with its chaotic streets, tall buildings, and social disparities. The music is also noteworthy, with a mix of Romanian and international songs that complement the mood and tone of each scene.

Overall, Filantropica is a thought-provoking and well-crafted movie that showcases the talents of Romanian cinema. It is a must-watch for those interested in Eastern European cinema and those who enjoy black comedy-dramas. The movie received critical acclaim and was awarded several prizes at international film festivals, including the Best Actor award for Gheorghe Dinica at the Venice Film Festival.