a child. a poor idiot. and their strange, natural friendship. the war. theirs games. and a murder. the broken silence of a village. the fear. and the solution for protect the lives of the elite. a film about childhood and life. profound psychological analysis from a director well known for his historical films. and a great role for Amza Pellea, the role of his life for the young Cristian Șofron. portrait of souls, the film presents the clash between different universes. and the impact of key moments for each character - the lost of his father and the war as model for revenge for the boy, the radical change of social perception for Ipu, the basic fear of people who define the escape from death as trade. in same measure, it is an interesting picture of the universe of village. and one of the most significant films by Sergiu Nicolaescu.

This is in the top of the list for Sergiu's best films, maybe right under "Mihai Viteazu". A delicate, clever insight on human behavior in times of fear and oppression, written by Titus Popovici, Sergiu's long-time friend and collaborator. Powerhouse cast and crew renders even more beauty to the script. For a change, everything works in this Romanian film. From the first shot, one can feel this is a great film - the kid running in the field, and this feeling persists to the mind-blowing end. Discussions about the army, between Pellea and the kid, the dinner sequence, the funeral rehearsal - they are all unforgettable moments. Definitevly a winner at Cannes Festival 1971, if it had been selected.

This is a great Romanian movie...i am very subjective because i am Romanian...but anyone,with proper subtitles can enjoy this little masterpiece.It is not like other Nicolaescu's movies,it's more deep,it has a certain touch, a vibrant image that goes beyond the screen.Well directed,well played,tremendous script...what can i say more about it?It has nice FX for that age.Needles to say it benefits by the great great Amza Pellea an actor capable of turning rubble into stardust.He is the main character(Ipu) and his performance is ...how should i say...Oscar!!!Anyway i love the movie because it's alive,it's human and leaves you with a bittersweet taste..

Great movie with great actors. You don't have to be from Romania or eastern Europe to really understand this movie. Try it,you won't regret it. It's one of those movies that you won't forget as long as you live. The best movies ever made in Romania are those who have been made between 1970-1990. Sergiu Nicolaescu is the greatest director from Romania. You must see at least one of his many movies.You'll be amazed by his simplicity and his characters.Amza Pelea is one of the best actors from Eastern Europe.He's an icon in Romania and he is still alive after all of this time,in people's minds.If he was American,he would have become famous around the world.