Capra cu trei iezi

One of few romanian horrors, but exceptional. The director knows exactly what he wanted: to show everyone how romanian people were struggling to live everyday, in the 19th century (but no difference even with earlier times), surrounded with traitors and enemies. Even if it's inspired from a romanian story, the caracters are transformed into humans and reveals that we are the most dangerous beings, and human nature goes hand in hand with destruction (and revenge). For a romanian who knows the story, the movie can be boring - i think, BUT, for someone who doesn't - i recommend. It's one of those horrors that u will never forget, even if it's a low budget movie without great effects. It's one for the foreigners, so if u are NOT a romanian, press play, and u won't regret it!!!

The story by Creanga upon which this is based is essential reading in elementary school and a cautionary tale for children which has been adapted many times, perhaps most famously in the rock musical "Mama" (1976). This is a fond memory for many Romanians, so quite a few will be peeved to see it turned into a folk horror piece (like the infinitely worse Winnie the Pooh gore).

But I am from Transylvania and the story made sense in the past as there are many small farms scattered in the countryside which used to be targeted by thieves. Also, there are lots of stories about people turning crazy in our long winters, so this somber uptake is more on point than city dwellers may believe. We invented werewolves, after all (not vampires, they're from Serbia). The finish is how the story actually ends so it's more brutal than Little Red Riding Hood.

Maia Morgenstern is an icon of 1990s cinema, her best known film is probably "The Oak" (1992) by Lucian Pintilie but she hasn't done much in the past years, this is a great comeback for her.

A very good film with few actors.

Very well played, the script is simple and effective.

Maybe for some who watch the movie it seems too harsh.

Ion Creanga's story is really hard, many have probably overlooked it.

I read again the story, the text in the movie is almost identical to the one in the story.

Maybe some people want spectacular effects, this movie is not for them.

I hope more films like this are made, it is needed.

The footage is very good, of high quality, despite the low budget of the film.

It is only a beginning for such films, it has been shown that it is also possible.

I watched the director's interview, it has potential.

Of course, there will also be active hatters, who probably criticize any film, nothing satisfies them.

The stories of Ion Creanga are an obligatory read for every Romanian kid. We grew up with his tales, one of the most famous being Capra cu trei iezi. Only later, as adults we truly understand this is hardly a children's story and more a horror/thriller one. Victor Canache and his team did an amazing job on this story, honoring Romanian folklore yet bringing a breath of fresh air on a tale as old as time. The music creates and eery setting and contributes to the thrill. Maia Morgenstein is incredible as always and Marius Bodochi's rendition of the wolf is guaranteed to scare the **** out of anyone. Congrats and we are looking forward to more from the director.

Movie trigger warnings: bullying, sexism, (mild) domestic abuse, sexual assault.

Number of jumpscares: 0.5 (literally barely a jumpscare once)

Review: Honestly one of the best pieces of Romanian cinema I've seen until now, and just a really good horror/thriller movie. It captures really beautifully what it meant to live in the 19th century rural Romania, along with the accurate traditional house, cutlery and clothes.

The two main actors are absolute legends, and the kids do an amazing job.

The filming is pretty well done, with very desaturated colors pushing the difficult lifestyle of the poor family.

Editing is decent, a few fast cuts here and there, but nothing to be offended by.

Sound design is pretty good, the soundtrack being played on traditional instruments, only note would be that at times you can't hear the dialogue due to the music being quite loud.

All in all, a pretty dope watch, biases aside, a solid 8/10.