Why Me? Movie Review

Why me? is based on the actual story of Cristain, a young and honest prosecutor who got involved in political cases, he suicided when things got out of hand. The movie is directed by Tudor Giurgiu and produced by Oana Giurgiu. Emilian Oprea, Mihai Constantin, Andreea Vasile, Dan Condurache, Liviu Pintileasa, Mihai Smarandache, Alin Florea are in the cast of the film. Cinematography is done by Marius Panduru. Réka Lemhényi did the film editing. 

Plot

Cristain Panduru, is a young college lecturer and a young prosecutor, who is assigned a task to resolve the case that involved his senior. His senior was accused of corruption. Cristain undertook the case as if he would solve the case then he would get promoted. As the story unfolds, Cristain faces a dilemma between truth and his career. Either he chooses the truth that will destroy his life or he protects his career by playing along with corruption. But he soon doubts the case and realizes that he is being used as bait in the power game by crooked security services and  government's insider.  

Star performance

Emilian Oprea played Cristian's character. He presented his character very calmly and thoughtfully. One of his best moves in the film is when he decides to take action against prosecutor Lele. He provided depth and direction to the film with his excellent acting skills. However, throughout the movie there is no change in Cristain's character as if Emilian's acting is linear. Other stars like Mihai Constantin and Andreea Vasile delivered excellent performances in the movie. 

Analysis

It presents a critique not only on the Romanian political system rather on the political system of all the countries in the world. However, this controversial case took place in 2002 and the film was made in 2015 which failed to deliver authenticity in setting as well as in dialogues. 

Towards the end, the moral is given that despite all the facts the only thing that matters for a man is his principles. Cristain, by disobeying his seniors, challenges the corrupt system. The consequences of his bold action led to his suspension. The movie has elements of realism, providing fundamental insights into the political power play. It gives glimpses into contemporary Romanian cinema and social & political corruption. Although Why me, is more of a story of a man who is involuntarily involved in a case. The depth and emotions are missing in the script. 

Cinematography in the film feels flat and effortless. It makes it look like merely a television screen. The movie turns out to be a complex thriller blended with drama. However, the plot is too conventional in the developmental approach of the protagonists. It also ends with a feeling of insufficiency and inconsistency. In the real story, Cristain dies by suiciding. In the film, on the contrary the ending is pretty different from the real story. Therefore, it is loosely connected with the real story. 

What's there? 

● It has an exciting and overwhelming storyline based on actual events of a Romanian prosecutor, Cristain Panduru.

● It does have contemporary Romanian cinema's characteristics.

● A fantastic balance is maintained between entertainment and introspection.

● Well paced thriller

What's not there?

● There is problematic execution of the script as several scenes are skipped; It is not a linear story.

● Within the movie there is a lack of emotional connection and depth.

● The lack of continuity is quite visible. 

● The plot is very conventional in its developmental approach.

● Cristain is the central character. The script fails to give exposure to other actors and characters.

● The emotions of characters are not conveyed as they should. 

Verdict

The story is based on a real story. One should see it to get a glimpse of real life struggles that are involved in power play. It doesn't only comment on the Romanian government, instead it comments on all the social systems in the world.