The Romanian Cinema of Nationalism

The way the historical genre has developed in Romania provides background on both audience reception and the politics of re-enactment in popular cinema. This is the first time that English-speaking readers have gained access to a comprehensive selection of fiction films set in the Romanian past.

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Prior to the collapse of communism, Romanian historical movies were political, encouraging nationalistic feelings and devotion to the state. Vlad the Impaler and other such iconic figures emerged as heroes rather than loathsome bloodsuckers, celebrating a shared sense of belonging. The past decade has, however, presented Romanian films in which ordinary people are the stars--heroes, go-getters, swindlers and sore losers. The author explores a wide selection, old and new, of films set in the Romanian past.