Is Portrait of the Fighter as a Young Man Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2010)

📖 The Core Premise

Portrait of the Fighter as a Young Man returns to the screen in 2010, bringing a fresh narrative to the Action, Drama, History genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "When the Soviet Army marched into Romania in 1944, a part of the Romanian population went “into the mountains” – a diverse assortment of nationalists and fascists, liberals, apolitical farmers and members of the middle-class, who were affected by the Communists’ expropriations. Over a thousand armed resistance groups took refuge in the inaccessible forests of the Carpathian Mountains where they waited in vain for the support of the Western Allies. One of them was led by Ion Gavrilă-Ogoranu, who managed to remain undetected until 1976 when he was arrested. This film depicts the daily existence of this group. It tells the story of a struggle that became an end in itself, as the enemy was constantly in pursuit and arrest meant torture and often liquidation. Hungry and emotionally withdrawn, the group of young men got entangled in a partisan war that could not be won, lost in the landscape of the South Carpathians, accompanied by a vigilant secret police, the Securitate."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Constantin Diţă is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Portrait of the Fighter as a Young Man worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Drama, History films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Portrait of the Fighter as a Young Man is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 163 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.