Pintilie's "The Oak" was director's first film after returning from exile and the first great Eastern European film of the post-communist era. One could sense director's hunger for making a film ( the last one he made, the equally sarcastic "Scenes of Carnival" a.k.a "De ce trag clopotele, Mitica?" was made over 10 years before "The Oak" and was promptly banned ), and Pintilie gave it his best. The acting, as always with the director, is wonderful and there are immages one would never forget. Best seen on the big screen, although a DVD is announced in France for March 2004.
Note that there are two versions of this film, the international version being some 20 minutes shorter than the one seen in Romania.
Note that there are two versions of this film, the international version being some 20 minutes shorter than the one seen in Romania.