Then I Sentenced Them All to Death

The world as construction of a child. A village. A war. A crime. And the best scapegoat. Some circles. like Visniec circles. And few walks in the search of essence of life. A movie who must be discover. Story about colors of ages, about a lost village and its leaders. The Nazi presence. And a boy with his fried, the fool of community. A film like a spring morning. Delicate and common. Sad and profound. Game of gestures and lace of words. After all, the death. As last sign of a long expectation. As key of soul's treasure. As definition of silence. A lesson for be yourself not a shadow of intentions. Old "El laberinto del fauno". Same taste. Different recipes.

This is in the top of the list for Sergiu's best films, maybe right under "Mihai Viteazu". A delicate, clever insight on human behavior in times of fear and oppression, written by Titus Popovici, Sergiu's long-time friend and collaborator. Powerhouse cast and crew renders even more beauty to the script. For a change, everything works in this Romanian film. From the first shot, one can feel this is a great film - the kid running in the field, and this feeling persists to the mind-blowing end. Discussions about the army, between Pellea and the kid, the dinner sequence, the funeral rehearsal - they are all unforgettable moments. Definitevly a winner at Cannes Festival 1971, if it had been selected.

Great movie with great actors. You don't have to be from Romania or eastern Europe to really understand this movie. Try it,you won't regret it. It's one of those movies that you won't forget as long as you live. The best movies ever made in Romania are those who have been made between 1970-1990. Sergiu Nicolaescu is the greatest director from Romania. You must see at least one of his many movies.You'll be amazed by his simplicity and his characters.Amza Pelea is one of the best actors from Eastern Europe.He's an icon in Romania and he is still alive after all of this time,in people's minds.If he was American,he would have become famous around the world.

This is a great Romanian movie...i am very subjective because i am Romanian...but anyone,with proper subtitles can enjoy this little masterpiece.It is not like other Nicolaescu's movies,it's more deep,it has a certain touch, a vibrant image that goes beyond the screen.Well directed,well played,tremendous script...what can i say more about it?It has nice FX for that age.Needles to say it benefits by the great great Amza Pellea an actor capable of turning rubble into stardust.He is the main character(Ipu) and his performance is ...how should i say...Oscar!!!Anyway i love the movie because it's alive,it's human and leaves you with a bittersweet taste..

Both stories take place during a war and in a country under German occupation. Both stories also speak of the cowardice of the local population and their disgusting behavior towards one innocent person belonging to their own community. This basic scheme is the same in both Guy De Maupassant's adaptations and this movie from Romania. This is an interesting character study but I guess far far below reality. This is an unavoidable film, which the main problem is that German characters don't like Germans at all, except the uniforms. Acting is also not that convincing and a bit too much talkative. Mostly saved by an unforgettable ending.