Watch Police, Adjective

Police, Adjective is a Romanian drama film that follows the story of Cristi, a police officer who is tasked with monitoring a high school student suspected of selling drugs. As he begins to investigate the case, Cristi begins to question the morality of his job and the nature of the laws he is meant to enforce. The film opens with a long, slow tracking shot of Cristi walking through the streets of his town. The camera follows him as he makes his way to the high school where he is to meet with his superiors and discuss the drug case. This opening shot sets the tone for the rest of the film, which is slow and methodical, with a focus on the everyday details of life.

As Cristi begins his investigation, he struggles with his conscience. He is torn between his duty as a police officer and his belief that the laws he is enforcing are unjust. His supervisor, Anghelache, takes a hard-line approach to the case, pushing Cristi to arrest the student and bring him to justice. But Cristi is hesitant, and begins to question whether the drug laws are worth enforcing.

The film is not interested in action or suspense; instead, it is a slow-burning character study that focuses on the minutiae of Cristi's life. We see him going about his daily routine - visiting his parents, going to the gym, and walking through the town. These scenes are interwoven with long conversations between Cristi and his superiors, as well as with his wife, who is a language teacher.

Director Corneliu Porumboiu uses long, static shots and a minimalist approach to sound design to create a sense of realism and tension. There are no musical cues to heighten the drama or sentimentalize the characters, and the camera never moves unnecessarily. The result is a film that feels deeply realistic and immersive, allowing the viewer to inhabit Cristi's world and feel his anxieties.

The film's central conflict comes to a head in a lengthy conversation between Cristi and his supervisor, Anghelache. In this scene, Anghelache lays out his philosophy of law enforcement, arguing that the justice system needs to be based on punishment and fear in order to be effective. Cristi, on the other hand, believes that the law should be based on morality and personal responsibility. The conversation is uncomfortable and tense, and the viewer is left to determine which side they agree with.

Throughout the film, there are subtle hints that Cristi's job is not just affecting his moral compass, but also his mental health. He becomes increasingly anxious and paranoid as the investigation wears on, and appears to be suffering from sleep deprivation. His wife, who is a language teacher, becomes concerned about his mental state and urges him to take a break from work.

Despite the film's slow pace and minimalist approach, there are moments of humor and levity. One scene in particular, where Cristi and his colleague debate the precise definition of a word, is both hilarious and poignant. It is a reminder that, despite the weighty subject matter, the film is ultimately about people and their relationships.

In conclusion, Police, Adjective is a thought-provoking film that explores the morality of law enforcement and the impact it has on the individual. It is a sobering reminder that the laws we live under are not always just, and that those who enforce them must grapple with the consequences of their actions. Despite its slow pace and minimalism, the film is deeply immersive and engaging, and will linger with the viewer long after it has ended.

Police, Adjective is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 81.