Four Years After Berlinale Triumph, Radu Jude Returns with 'Kontinental '25'
Romanian master Radu Jude, whose audacious satire "Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn" won the Golden Bear in 2021, makes his triumphant return to the Berlinale Competition with his latest feature, "Kontinental '25," premiering on February 19.
A Moral Crisis and Its Aftermath
The film centers on Orsolya (Eszter Tompa), a bailiff grappling with a profound sense of guilt after a homeless man she attempts to evict takes his own life. Desperate for solace and validation, she embarks on a complex journey of redemption.
Exploring Moral Dilemmas and Society's Woes
As one might expect from Jude, Orsolya's search for expiation takes a circuitous path, traversing themes of moral relativism, post-socialist economics, nationalism, and Romania's ongoing housing crisis. The film interrogates how an ordinary woman like Orsolya grapples with these multifaceted societal issues.
The Absurdity of Human Nature
"When we question our reactions to tragedies, we often find them ridiculous," Jude explains. He juxtaposes Orsolya's moral outrage over global events with her mundane social media habits. "It's a reflection of the absurdity and complexity of human responses."
A Film Rooted in Modern Romania
While delving into universal concerns, "Kontinental '25" is firmly rooted in contemporary Romanian society. Jude deftly chronicles the country's turbulent transition after the fall of Communism and its current political turmoil.
A Nod to Rossellini and a Departure from it
The film draws inspiration from Roberto Rossellini's "Europe '51," sharing its exploration of a guilt-ridden woman seeking redemption. However, Jude's approach is more grounded in a blend of comedy and drama, a "caricature" of Rossellini's work.
Technical Simplicity for Artistic Freedom
"Kontinental '25" is a testament to the liberating power of simple filmmaking. Shot on an iPhone with limited resources, it prioritizes dialogue and natural settings, echoing Rossellini's "poverty of means" aesthetic.