California Dreamin' mostly observes a series of complicated personal interactions, its point helped along by Doiaru's speeches concerning the ongoing American failure even to try to comprehend the populations it invades, assimilates, abuses, and buys off.
California Dreamin' (2009)
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Reviews Counted:14
Fresh:12
Rotten:2
Average Rating:6.5/10
Synopsis: US Marine Cpt Jones is assigned to escort a train carrying NATO equipment headed for Yugoslavia during the war in Kosovo. His mission is held back by Doiaru, apparently a very thorough station... US Marine Cpt Jones is assigned to escort a train carrying NATO equipment headed for Yugoslavia during the war in Kosovo. His mission is held back by Doiaru, apparently a very thorough station master in a godforsaken village, who halts the train over a paperwork technicality. The community makes ridiculous efforts to welcome the Americans, intending to profit from their unexpected presence. The troops join the game - and Doiaru's own daughter has a brief affair with Sgt. McLaren. Tired of waiting to get help from higher up, Cpt Jones decides to take matters into his own hands. As he gets more and more involved with the locals, he stirs old arguments and reveals the actual reason why Doiaru stopped his train to be a very personal one. At the end of five intense days, the train resumes its journey leaving behind broken hearts, broken dreams and a civil war.--© Official Site [More]
Starring: Armand Assante, Jamie Elman, Razvan Vasilescu, Gabriel Spahiu
Starring: Armand Assante, Jamie Elman, Razvan Vasilescu, Gabriel Spahiu, Catalina Mustata
Director: Cristian Nemescu
Director: Cristian Nemescu
Screenwriter: Cristian Nemescu, Tudor Voican
Studio: Media Pro Film Distribution
Reviews for California Dreamin'
"Occasionally drags and slightly overstays its welcome, but still it's mostly intriguing and intelligent.
It could use a trim, but only rarely does it strain for effect, and, for a young man, Nemescu was uncannily versed in the emotions of middle age.
Another rewarding dark satire from Romania, the feature debut of a director who died tragically young.
For now at least, we have to be content with this pleasing comedy in search of an editor.
California Dreamin' is a rambunctious, closely observed comedy of cultural collision.
A deft fable that maps global concerns onto a local story with confidence and wit.
At its present length it sprawls shamelessly in terms of the ultimate futility of its narrative.
What surprises and delights is how complete the work feels, finished in every way aesthetically and thematically, any longueurs or asides entirely part of Nemescu's indelible emotional tapestry.
[It] could do with some editing (indeed, the parenthetical in the title refers to its unshaped state), but there's just as little doubt that Nemescu's work is pretty worthy as is.
Engaging, impressively directed and ultimately devastating drama with strong performances and a powerful political message.
Nemescu’s promising young voice will be sorely missed, not only in Romanian cinema but also on the international scene.
As it looks now, the film lacks any pace to speak of, but much more serious are the absence of a distinct narrative style and an abundance of hesitant directorial decisions, badly in need of an editing table, if the plot has to make sense at all.
Latest News for California Dreamin'
June 18, 2007:
California Dreamin' (Nesfarsit) - preview & trailer ![]()
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