Is Why Are the Bells Ringing, Mitica? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Why Are the Bells Ringing, Mitica? (1981), audiences are invited back into the world of Comedy, Drama. 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. "Based on a theatrical text by Romanian writer Ion Luca Caragiale (1852-1912), who was a bitter and funny witness of the turn-of-the-20th-century Romanian bourgeois mores, Carnival Scenes manages to preserve and further enhance the slightly hysteric atmosphere of his plays. Pintilie creates a strange combination of carnival scenes which is brought to the screen as a burlesque, fast-paced, screwball comedy with a meditative undertone. This film was banned in Romania for a decade until the death of Ceausescu in 1989 and was only released after the 1989 revolution."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Victor Rebengiuc does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Why Are the Bells Ringing, Mitica? worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Why Are the Bells Ringing, Mitica? is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 132 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.