6.9 pe scara Richter

After directing some of the funniest (well, in my opinion) Romanian comedies, Nae Caranfil seemed like he had somewhat lost the plot after the great "Filantropica". "Restul e tăcere" was still funny and subtle, but a bit too long and at times losing steam. I never got "Closer to the Moon" - unconvincing story, easily my least favorite film of his. But this one's definitely a winner!

"6.9 pe scara Richter" is far removed from new Romanian wave movies. It's got a great story, it's part musical (with the actors all singing their parts, or so claims the director), it's got great humor - it got many laughs at the screening I was at. It goes back to the director's roots a bit - some of the characters, including the lead, are theater actors, just like in "E pericoloso sporgersi", his first movie. Even actor pranks make a comeback.

It's probably lighter on the social commentary compared to "Filantropica" or "Asfalt Tango", while focusing more on personal themes. But still, there's plenty to enjoy here.