Educational Media Reviews Online

Divided into two chapters, Miracle, opens with a tense moment between Cristina Tofan (Ioana Bugarin) a young nun and another sister in the monastery as a cell phone is exchanged hands. Soon, Tofan is in a cab with the driver Albu (Valeriu Andriuta) who is the brother of the sister who provided her with the phone. While much of the ride is centered on general conversation it is what is unsaid that is important, especially with the arrival of a doctor (Valentin Popescu). While the ensuing violent scene is shot from afar, it is the sounds that truly give way to what is happening. In the second chapter, the detectives that are investigating this crime are introduced.

This true crime thriller offers a glimpse of issues of religion, personal beliefs, and social commentary. Ultimately, the film ends with an understanding of Tofan’s actions and an understanding of the title of this film.

This film can be considered within the style of the Romanian New Wave and offers well shot scenes and easily read English subtitles to the Romanian dialogue. This title is recommended for collections supporting the study of contemporary international film. Featured films like this provide a broader exposure to international film to support film studies programs. For those collections without a significant international film collection, this film allows for an accessible title to draw new students into the genre.

Awards:
Winner Grand Prix Warsaw Film Festival

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