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DEFINITION

Today's film by Corneliu Porumboiu, a NYTimes Critics' Pick, was

Politist, adjectiv / Police, Adjective (2009)

A detective watches and follows three kids who are suspected of using and dealing hash laced cigarettes. He gets reports, works with other cops, goes home for lunch with his wife, sits and eats his meals alone. Nothing much happens.

He is bothered by the fact that the culprits are involved in a trivial matter. Could get up to seven years for no more than illicit smoking. The dealing is not proven.

He takes a lot of time. There is a lot of silence. We stand out with him in the cold as he watches the perp's home.

Silence. Following.

Finally, the Captain calls him in for a report and he shows less than total dedication to the case. His partner is also in the room.

By now, the film has gone on for more than an hour. Now, it comes to the "chase".

The cop says that a sting of the kids would go against his conscience. The Captain asks him to define conscience. A dictionary is retrieved. A dialectic begins. They go on to the definition of moral. Of other words. Then "police".

This is riveting. All the time up to this cathartic moment pops into clarity.

Amazing.

First few words. Now words. Precision.

The State in action.

I love this guy's work.

A 5 out of Netflix5.

Interview with Porumboiu

Trailer:

Labels: best films