#Selfie 69

#Selfie 69 is a Romanian comedy film directed by Cristina Iacob, following on from the success of her previous film #Selfie (2014). Released on August 19, 2016, #Selfie 69 effectively brings back the loveable characters from the first film, this time with more heart-warming and hilarious predicaments. The movie’s star-studded cast features Crina Semciuc, Olimpia Melinte and Vlad Logigan, whose captivating performances take the humor and emotion of the film to another level.

The storyline of the movie revolves around the lives of seven friends in their thirties living in Bucharest, but primarily focuses on three of them: Flavia (played by Crina Semciuc), Roxi (Olimpia Melinte), and Yasmine (played by Florina Stancu). What starts as a bet in the game of love turns into a delightful journey filled with laughter, friendship, and issues of heart.

On the eve of her 30th birthday, Flavia, a successful architect but unfortunate in love, gets dared by her friends to find a man and got married in three days. Building on this dare and making a high-stake bet, Flavia, Roxi, and Yasmine all engage in a challenge to see who could find a husband first in just three days. What follows is a hilarious journey for each of the women as they navigate their way through the maze of love and relationships.

Filmed in the beautiful city of Bucharest, each of the girls, in their individual ways, attempts to lure in potential suitors through various comedic strategies. The film humorously illustrates the lengths that one may go to when they’re under pressure or desperate for love. This ploys and strategies range from revisiting old relationships, using dating apps, arranging blind dates, and even seeking the help of professional matchmakers. The rapid series of comic moments create a unique blend of desperation, ambition and the lengths they go to win the bet.

Despite the comic premise, the narrative explores each character's personal growth, their individual flaws, connections with their loved ones, personal identity and longing for romantic relationship. Each of these characters is distinct and well-rounded, adding depth to the comedy. The characters’ various intersections and interactions bring forward their unique personalities, which are wonderfully captured by the enchanting performances of the cast. Crina Semciuc, Olimpia Melinte and Vlad Logigan are dynamic in their roles, and their respective character arcs are multilayered, relatable and poignant.

The fast-paced narrative of #Selfie 69 is complemented by the vibrant visual style of cinematographer Marius Panduru. The film’s phenomenal use of color, inventive camera angles and deft editing effectively portray the characters' energetic pursuit of love and the vibrant city life of Bucharest. The soundtrack, by Electric Brother, also deserves mention, adding a rollicking tempo and energy to the film.

Interspersed within this madcap and goofy rom-com, there are tender moments that touch upon deeper themes of friendship, love, societal pressures, familial relationships, and self-discovery. These underlying themes give resonance to the characters and situations and provide moments of emotional richness in a generally frothy narrative. The story and characters that may initially seem superficial and frivolous unfurl layers and complexities as the story progresses towards its climax.

The movie’s director Cristina Iacob does a splendid job of handling the comedy and heartfelt moments with equal comfort. Her skillful direction combined with a superb script, make #Selfie 69 a heartwarming and engaging watch. The onscreen chemistry of the cast, the beautiful depiction of Bucharest, the film’s refreshing humor, and the touching depiction of love and friendship give it a place among Romania's successful comedies of recent years.

The film explores the universal theme of love, the pursuit of happiness and the importance of friendship in a uniquely uproarious way. Especially highlighting realities of modern-day relationships and showcasing the struggle of finding love in the digital age, #Selfie 69 stands as a sweet, poignant, and sometimes eccentric love letter to both friendship and Bucharest.

In conclusion, #Selfie 69 is a delightful comedy that showcases the city of Bucharest, the ambiance of romance and the camaraderie of friendship all enmeshed in hilarity and love. A perfect film for anyone looking for intelligent humor and enjoying the complexities of love and friendship.