User Reviews

I'm so glad that I've seen this movie with my 10 year old niece. However, since the sad story, I would advice parents to be careful if they have very sensible children, because this might affect them.

But the way the story was mingled with the harsh reality is amazing. They've done a great job with the story and writing of this movie. The musical score is much better than in most Romanian movies. The whole movie is a new experience and a breath of fresh air in Romanian cinema. It's new, it's beyond what it's normally done in Romania and it's good. The sound is good, which is something that always bothered me in Romanian movies. It is indeed very well made.

Even the actors play well, though they are not full time actors. Matei Dima and Cosmin Nedelcu only recently started in the movie industry and they're doing well so far. Stand-up Comedians mostly, but they're doing a great job.

As for Maya Prediger who plays Maia in the film, she was great! Played very very well!

All in all, a very good movie that I recommend every family to watch.

I have my movie lists and tried to find a place to put this according to the genre. While it obviously can go in the Adventure - Fantasy category, it can also fall in the Dramedy genre.

An excellent movie made only for romanian + 45 years old. It's a unique movie in capitalist-sclavagist-colony Romania. Nobody beside the +45 years old romanians (with few exception of romanian children of nowdays who read books and they can be numbered with the fingers of 2 hands)read Amintiri din Copilarie by Ion Creanga. Foreigners can not because the writing is intraductible in other languages. The way the movie melt reality with fiction is impecable. The children play naturaly (another unique thing in post-involution Romania.) The movie.don't have licentious language (very rare nowdays for a romanian movie) The movie has not an actual end.

I was expecting a sad, dramatic experience because of the subject matter and Romanian movies in general, but I was treated to a real spectacle of hope and positivity.

The story is very nice, based on a Romanian classic series of novels. I haven't read them, but it didn't affect my experience at all. I really enjoyed the folk inspired fantasy world parts. There were serious parts, but also humor and hope to balance it all out.

The actors really did a great job, especially the lead actress.

Overall an unexpected success, would watch it again anytime.

Doina = a Romanian musical tune style, customary in Romanian peasant music, having the important psychological function of easing one's soul

English follows Romanian ------------------------------------------ "Povestile iau forma celor care le asculta, iar cei care asculta povesti sunt formati de ele." Sper ca acest film sa va transforme intr-un copac al dorintelor pentru cei care au nevoie de alinare.

Propunerea mea pentru categoria "Cel mai bun lungmetraj international" la gala premiilor Oscar editia 2023.

"Stories take the shape of those who listen to them and those who listen to stories are shaped by them." I hope that this movie transforms you into a wishing tree for those who need a way to ease their soul.

My proposal for the "Best International Feature Feature Film" of the 2023 Oscar Academy Awards.

I was very pleasant surprised by the quality of the movie.

A sad and happy ending in the same time is very hard to find. At least the main character's biggest wish was accomplished at the end.

Indeed, a sad story but very well adapted on the movie and with those magic moments which are just the right thing to give the movie a happy side. And the folklore story insertion was just perfect! It brings out the child from every adult which grew up with those Ion Creanga stories.

I would be very happy to see it again. I've seen in twice so far. Looking forward for Netflix Romania to upload it on their servers. By far the best Romanian movie for the last 10 years at least.

The movie deserves an Oscar nominalization at least.

Maya Noelle Prediger offers a beautiful performance as Mara. Teodor Corban offers a great work in the role of grandfather. And the sensitive theme is just fair, honest and gentle used.

This are the basic conclusion after the final credits.

But the film offers more than you can expect. And, sure, like for many others Romanian films, a fist of reserves , almost critics , are not absent.

But... .

I repeat, the basic virtue is the acting. Irina Margareta Nistor or Denis Roabes in cameo roles are one of the ingredients of this virtue.

In same measure, the way to define and reflect the lost and the fear of lost of beloved ones.

Not less, the inspired portrait of childhood. And the decent return to Amintiri din Copilarie by Ion creanga.

I suppose, It can be defined as a beautiful film.

In fact, this beauty is the result of wise trip across small , basic, essential truths defining each of us. So, see it !