I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians
dir. Radu Jude · 2018
Feature
Cultural Dislocation
Mood
Contemplative / Dark
Look
stark realism with a documentary-like quality
Structure
a blend of rehearsal and performance interspersed with documentary-style commentary
Plot
A young artist is planning to reconstruct a historical event from 1941, during which the Romanian Army carried out ethnic cleansing on the Eastern Front. One of contemporary Europe's most distinctive creators has come out with an ingeniously conceived film. While it unfolds slowly and in detail, it hits the viewer with a singular emotional punch.
Why watch
A young artist meticulously prepares to stage a historical reenactment of a grim event from 1941, where the Romanian Army engaged in ethnic cleansing. As the layers of history unfold, the film challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths of their past, evoking a sense of unease and reflection.
Cultural context
post-communist Romanian identitythe legacy of World War II in Eastern Europecontemporary debates on nationalism and memory