The Stanford Romanian Film Series 2009-2010
Introduction and Q&A by Suzan Negip-Schatt
Lecturer in Romanian, Stanford Special Language Program.
1988; directed by Stere Gulea; 142 min.
In a period heralding irreversible changes, in between the two World Wars, the Moromete family is facing break-up. Ilie Moromete, a real 'pater familias', magnificently played by Victor Rebengiuc, feels this, and tries to cling to a way of life which — now we know — is doomed both by the impending war and by the communist regime the Soviets will install. Time no longer has any patience and cracks have started to appear in the mesh of traditional peasant family life. Stere Gulea has brought Marin Preda's famous novel to life, through the character of Ilie Moromete, the archetype of the Romanian peasant.
The film is shown with English subtitles.