21 Rubies

While "21 Rubies" may not be a traditionally artistic film filled with grand visuals, it utilizes its characters and narrative as artistic tools to depict the harsh realities of Romanian society. The film transcends mere entertainment, offering a poignant commentary on the country's ongoing battle with corruption.

Many Romanians held onto the hope that integration with the European Union would usher in prosperity for all. However, "21 Rubies" paints a stark picture of that hope being dashed by a self-serving elite who prioritize personal gain over societal well-being. This central theme is embodied by the film's protagonist, a prosecutor whose naive faith in justice is brutally challenged when she's ostracized and even prosecuted for fabricated charges. Her journey becomes a microcosm of the societal struggle against a system rigged in favor of the corrupt.

Director Ciprian Mega doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of Romanian society. The characters, particularly those from the struggling classes, are well-developed and offer viewers a glimpse into the daily lives of those most impacted by corruption. Their struggles and perspectives form a vital part of the film's social commentary.

Some reviewers might have focused on the film's pacing or lack of conventional cinematic flourishes. However, these stylistic choices serve a purpose. The film prioritizes substance over spectacle, immersing viewers in the gritty realities it portrays.

The title itself, "21 Rubies," remains open to interpretation. It could symbolize the allure of wealth that fuels corruption, the hidden treasures buried beneath the surface of society, or perhaps even a glimmer of hope that persists despite the darkness.

"21 Rubies" is not simply a film; it's a social commentary disguised as a character drama. While the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the disillusionment of a nation and the unwavering spirit of those who fight for a better future.

This movie brings forth the conundrum of the redeeming men who's questioned whether to follow his inner call, in order to make Lady Justice happen, or give up his dreams and let go of vocations within, in order to let the worst occur in the ongoing world.

While the question seems to follow a significant number of steps that may seem easy to take, at first, the route it ends up showing, that is being dictated by independent forces of the figure who's walking up this path to a happy ending.

In the end, all it needs to happen, to make a living out of this ordinary ambition of being rightfulness, may be the courage to take a leap of faith.

But, who may know... was is worth it, all along?

I will start by mentioning that I never had high hopes for this movie, despite the actors in it, some of which are actually good. Still, I was disappointed.

The characters are so underdeveloped that it's impossible to empathize with any of them. The officials are badly-written, simple caricatures of the ones in real life. The choice of actors for some parts is rather uninspired. Official protocol was, apparently, not worth researching, for whatever reason. In fact, nothing seems researched at all. The scenario is superficial and unclear in its message, a mixture of ideas, scenes and stories that, taken individually, might have made some sense but, together, they have no reason to exist in the same film.

In conclusion, the movie itself is, unfortunately, nothing more than a waste of time and the talent in it. In the end it makes very little sense.

They made a movie. First it starts, then it goes on for some time, after a while it ends. That's pretty much the summary of this production.

Just to say what is wrong with the movie, it would be longer than the movie, which is anyway too long, loose, boring, pointless and multi focal point, and to agree that there would be a great potential to it, it is given. But the choice of the director was very poor, the results are so forgettable, and although one can see the aim of it, as a condemnation of certain parts of the society, the means to deliver are that of a second grader.

No need to see this, unless you're part of the cast's families.

Such wasted potential.

This is one of the few recent Christian movies; and it is also a beautiful, beautiful movie. Visually and cinematically, '21 rubies' enchants.

But the story is the key - and it must be told. This movie presents Romania as is, with its many facets. A land of traditions and Orthodox faithful people; but also a land of decayed, Godless modernity. And as any state or institution, it has its corruption. The State and the Church are accurately represented as lower chains in the international order. And by and by, the individual is crushed by this complex apparatus, in which it is the weakest link. In the end though, as the movie shows, the individual has one last refuge out of the hardships of this world, and that is Christ - though this is not an easy path, and many still get lost.

A Romanian movie that I am proud of.