User reviews

Lately a lot o good romanian movies have emerged with some of them being really great and the acting is sometimes phenomenal because of it's simplicity. This movie though falls short on some departments. First Dana Rogoz (MO) is just mediocre in this role witch means that you cannot invest in both her and Madalina Craiu (VERA). And on top of this there is a feeling throughout the last part of the movie that the actions are somehow pushed towards a goal well defined, rather than be left on their own trajectory. Razvan Vasilesc (Profu') is a great actor and it shows but he cannot save this movie all alone, because the "forced" script doesn't help either.

Exams - you remember them. Or maybe you are still having to do them. Life is a big exam some might also say. Of course it's easier to cheat on a written exam than in real life. No pun intended with that - and as our main characters learn, "easy" does not mean it will always be succesful.

That being said, even so, you do not wish what is about to happen to them. Because to still be able to pass and to go on with their lives, they are willing to ... well do something that they probably shouldn't do. And something that they shouldn't be asked to do in the first place.

But life is not fair - in case you haven't noticed yet. Still there is a scene towards the end that will really push you to your limits. And maybe beyond - you've been warned. Though nothing explicit will happen (no pun intended) or rather shown ...

Absolutely nothing happens during the whole movie. The dialogues feel very unnatural, the plot never really seems to lead anywhere and you just don't feel anything for any of the characters. Also, the shots take way longer than they should - a scene where they are simply walking on the streets takes 45 seconds where this could be cut to 10 seconds to kwep the film smoothly flowing and less boring.

Don't waste your time on it, do not watch it.

Worst movie I ever seen! I'm disgusted and I feel embarrassed because I lost my time watching it.

The movie doesn't have a complex story, and in a way it's predictable. But the beauty of it is in the interaction between the characters, and besides a few moments of the movie close to the end, where the villan becomes clear, their actions are quite natural. The movie flows and gives the impression at any time that it could go in different directions.

In 'Mo' I recognize a somewhat odd conglomeration - a tightly abbreviated runtime, a quick pace, and for both those aspects, also an unbothered "slice of life" feel to the exposition that fills effectively the first third. That sense continues even into the second half, and even as the chief cast inhabit specific characters with distinct personalities, wherein their performances are so natural and fluid with material so uninvolved that the acting seems as organic as though part and player were one and the same. In one breath these qualities make the characters, and the course of events, more awkward, more sympathetic, more aggravating, or more bemusing in turn - weirdly heightening the feelings with realism even as the picture carries a decidedly muted tone.

Why, even the narrative rather surprises, simple as it is, and writer-director Radu Dragomir's screenplay at large. The premise suggests a story much more active and dynamic, while in reality the sense of drama is slight and gradual until the last 20 minutes, with near passivity as it unfolds - and if predictable and familiar all along, no less cringe-worthy for the fact of it. As the cast so easily slip into their roles, there's nonetheless an underhanded diversity to the faintly fictitious figures: Ursu, fiercely intelligent and pointedly duplicitous; Vera, reserved but spirited; - and Mo, impulsive and forthright, but with hidden depths and vulnerabilities. Dialogue and scene writing are simultaneously varied and tantalizing, and so matter-of-fact and true to life that they yet feel unremarkable. And the overall plot, into which all these are woven, is marked with all the same descriptors: common, yet absorbing; subdued, yet vivid; evoking uncertainty as a viewer, but also strong feelings and engagement.

This is not going to be for everyone, and I hardly know who I'd even recommend it to as the picture rides such a delicate line of somewhat aloof near-uneventfulness. However, to my delight, this is an unexpectedly rich viewing experience. The acting, such as it is, is outstanding, with Razvan Vasilescu, Madalina Craiu, and especially Dana Rogoz offering up fine displays of range, nuance, and strength of personlity as Ursu, Vera, and Mo, respectively. Cinematographer Liviu Mãrghidan ensures a vibrant, pleasing visual presentation, while those managing sound design provide pristine audio. I admire the simple but enticing aesthetics of Adina Bucur's costume design, and Domnica Bodogan and Iulia Roseanu make fine contributions with their hair and makeup work. Honestly, even for as peculiar as 'Mo' is, it is a roundly excellent film.

One should carefully consider the types of movies they enjoy before clicking to watch this, but I for one recognize terrific value that has gone broadly unrecognized. I think all on hand did a great job to bring this feature to life, and 'Mo' earns my hearty favor as something both a little off the beaten path, and walking a well-trod ground. Cheers!

A well-constructed, entertaining drama-thriller. The acting is outstanding, as is the character buildup and dynamics between the characters. Highly recommended.

Probably one of the best Romanian movies out there. Loved every single bit of it. Not for everyone tho.