I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians

I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians (2018), directed by Radu Jude, is a potent Romanian drama that carves out a unique space for itself between film and theater, fiction and documentary, and comedy and tragedy. The film stars Ioana Iacob, Alex Bogdan, and Alexandru Dabija in pivotal roles. The movie opens an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue about the brutal history of the European nation, particularly focusing on the Holocaust, denial, collective memory, and national guilt.

In this compelling movie, Iacob plays Mariana Marin, a passionate theater director who invests her energies into designing a major outdoor performance. The performance seeks to reconstruct a ghastly historical incident, namely the massacre of the Jews at Odessa in 1941. An earnest and determined woman, she refuses to bow to political pressure to distort or erase the true account of the horrific event. Despite receiving staunch pushback from local authorities, friends, and colleagues, she remains steadfast in her duty to present the undiluted truth to the public.

Moreover, throughout the film, Mariana faces a constant battle against the bureaucratic structure. Alex Bogdan portrays Movila, a smooth local government functionary who tries to steer her away from the unpleasant truth, subtly reminding her of the official narrative — one that refutes that Romanians were the perpetrators of the Odessa massacre. However, Mariana chooses to delve deeper into the intricate political knots and the discomforting realms of historical truths.

Alexandru Dabija, embodying a wise, generous Jewish character, provides a counterbalance to Mariana's fiery character and offers a different perspective on the past event. His character unfurls with complexity as he walks a fine line between empathizing with Mariana's quest for truth and questioning her motives.

The narrative unfolds over the planning and execution of the play, but the movie also features several intensely engaging interludes. Filmmaker Radu Jude infuses the story with lengthy passages of historical discourse, conversations about racism and national guilt, even while advancing the narrative with wit and a finely honed sense of absurdity. Despite the severity of the subject, 'I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians' has its light moments, full of humor and brilliance.

Probing deeply into the layers of censorship, historical denial, and collective guilt, the film does not shy away from presenting meta-theatrical elements and confrontational monologues about the aestheticization of violence. Jude uses his film as a platform for debating ideas, challenging denial, and exploring the complexities of memorializing genocide. Furthermore, the film creates an absorbing visual spectacle with outstanding aesthetics. The cinematic language used enhances the storyline and brings a raw, palpable sense of reality to the screen.

Ioana Iacob's central performance is riveting and powerfully expressive as she gives life to the fiercely independent Mariana - a character further strengthened by her fieriness, her intellect, and her inflexible commitment to saying what she feels must be said despite societal pressure. Alex Bogdan and Alexandru Dabija, too, deliver robust performances. They bring depth and intensity to their parts, showcasing a balanced interplay of emotions that enriches the narrative.

In essence, I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians is a profound exploration of historical truth and national identity through the lens of theater and cinema. Director Jude was successful in stirring an intense examination of the role of memory in the formation of national identities and how challenging historical denial can elicit discomforting yet crucial social discourse.

To sum it up, this movie offers a critical perspective and is an undeniably effective indictment of historical denial and the perpetuation of national mythologies. It leaves the viewers with significant contemplation about the role of art and performance in challenging manipulative systems and distortions of the past. While a heavy watch at times, it's a masterful blend of humor, drama, and historical critique - a must-see for those interested in films that challenge, provoke and engage.