Watch Mihai Viteazul

The movie Mihai Viteazul from 1971 is a historical drama based on the life of a Romanian national hero, Mihai Viteazul. The film portrays the turbulent times in Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia, and the fight against the Ottoman Empire in the late 16th century. The director is Sergiu Nicolaescu, and the actors are Amza Pellea, Ion Besoiu, and Olga Tudorache, among others.

The story begins with a young Mihai Viteazul (played by Ion Besoiu) being held as a hostage in the court of the Ottoman Sultan. He gets to witness first hand the brutality and corruption that plagues the Ottoman court, and that sparks the desire to fight for the independence of his people. Years later, he returns to his homeland with the ambition of unifying the three regions (Transylvania, Wallachia, and Moldavia) and creating a powerful state that can withstand the Ottoman threat.

The film depicts the political machinations and betrayals that accompany Mihai's mission, as various lords and voivodes try to sabotage his efforts, either by aligning themselves with the Ottomans or with the Austrians. The portrayal of the various factions and their interests is nuanced, and it's difficult at times to distinguish who's a traitor and who's a patriot. Mihai's task is made even harder by the fact that his closest allies are also his most bitter enemies. He must navigate this treacherous landscape with cunning and diplomacy, but also with force, as battles and sieges are a recurrent theme in the movie.

Amza Pellea gives an outstanding performance as Mihai Viteazul, commanding the screen with his charisma and authoritative presence. His portrayal of the leader's inner conflict between his loyalty to his people and his own ambition is both nuanced and convincing. Pellea is supported by a strong cast, including Olga Tudorache as his loyal wife, Alexandra, and Ion Besoiu as his cunning rival, Sigismund Bathory.

One of the strengths of the film is its attention to historical detail, from the costumes to the settings, which recreate the atmosphere of the late 16th century. The battle scenes are also impressive, with hundreds of extras and expert choreography, which create a sense of epic scale and realism. The film also pays attention to the interplay between religion and politics, as Mihai's Catholic allies and his Orthodox subjects clash over their respective beliefs and loyalties.

Another highlight of the movie is its cinematography, with beautiful landscapes and dynamic camera work that enhance the film's grandeur and vitality. The score by Temistocle Popa is also noteworthy, with themes that range from the stirring to the somber, adding emotional depth to the action on screen.

In conclusion, Mihai Viteazul is an epic tale of valor, betrayal, and nationalism that showcases the best of Romanian cinema. It's a tribute to the country's history and culture, but also a universal story about the struggle for freedom and justice against powerful foes. The film balances action and drama, politics and warfare, romance and tragedy, with a skillful hand, creating a compelling narrative that will keep viewers engaged from beginning to end.