Closer to the Moon 2014

     This film is based on a true story and takes place in Bucharest, Romania of 1959.  There has been a bank heist and the country is in an uproar.  After the war, this act is a slap in the face to the communist authorities.  They hold an iron fist on the country and how did this happen under their watch?  There is an arrest of four men and one woman.  They are tried, convicted and await their execution.  Before being put to death, they are forced to star in a propaganda film about crime and specifically their crime.  The people arrested were heroes of the resistance during WWII and they have held high status in Romanian society.  They must have realized they would be caught for their crime and what the punishment would be?

     I initially wondered about a comedy starting Mark Strong and the theme of execution.  The gang members reenact the bank robbery and they exaggerate everything about the event.  Originally, it was planned as a suicide mission but they were not killed during the crime?  Oh well, maybe execution is more of a statement?  3* (This movie is OK)

112 min, Comedy directed by Nae Caranfil with Vera Farmiga, Mark Strong, Harry Lloyd, Anton Lesser, Joe Armstrong, Monica Barladeanu, Christian McKay, Allan Corduner, Martin Hancock. Gwyneth Keyworth.

Note:  Imdb 7.1 out of 10, 46% critic 58% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 4.1* out of 5* with 18 reviews.

Special Note:  Filmed in Lipscani, Carol Park and Bucharest, Romania.  Mark Strong starred in the film Anna of 2013 with Taissa Farmiga, Vera’s sister.