★ 7 / 10
Drama, horror, vices, Romglish. A ruined generation. Disturbing.
Labeling the film as a comedy is a big mistake. In fact, it's a drama with "horror" touches. Because today's high-school generation is horror. It's portrayed…
Labeling the film as a comedy is a big mistake. In fact, it's a drama with "horror" touches. Because today's high-school generation is horror. It's portrayed with enough realism, from the hunger for money and fame to the crippled, excessively Romglish way of speaking. Director Petremarin manages to make a film that actually feels like a film, not like the filmed theatre Romanian directors usually serve us. The actors fit their roles well and handle themselves very well despite some slips here and there. Standing out are Karina Jianu (Sofia) and, incredibly excellent in a supporting role, Adrian Vancica (the senator). Also, Alex Zob (the teacher) handles his surreal part quite well. Ana Toda (Amalia) and Dragos Prundeanu (Tomita) also do a good job. It's interesting how a few actors who are far too old for such roles adapted to playing high-school students.The incursion into the world of today's ruined high-school generation is realistic, maybe even "too" realistic, thickened with frequent vulgar language. Although this language is indeed present in this generation, it could have been presented with a bit more restraint. Because of that, I can't give the film 9 stars.What's strange is that the film rejects manele, even though those are also defining for Romanian teenagers. Haven't we seen plenty of video recordings with crowds passionately singing along with manele singers on festival stages? Isn't the Romanian Top 50 (YouTube, Spotify) constantly made of 48 manele? Still, the film proposes pop music, also of very poor quality, like two tracks by the uninteresting Adda.Even so, it's a film worth watching, even if it's not "pleasant." Life with its dramas isn't pleasant either.After reading an interview with Petremarin, I suspect he doesn't realize what a powerful and disturbing film he made, just as he doesn't realize some of its flaws. For example, the reference to bitcoin is naive; the digital currency is much, much more valuable than the film suggests. He did look for consultants, but his entourage didn't provide him with the smartest ones.Some have compared the film to "Liceenii" or "Declaratie de dragoste." When you compare them, you see the huge difference between this gravely ruined generation and the high-schoolers from 40 years ago, who were much more serious, more structured, cleaner, more luminous.A landmark film of Romanian cinema, but one that receives a relatively undeservedly low score. Although Romanian films are generally very weak, you can see on IMDB that disastrous films undeservedly get higher scores than this one. A film that deserves more viewers.
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★ 10 / 10
A fresh and commited aproch of the genre
cristiantomoiala
I watched some new romanian comedies lately and this one is by far the most well directed, shot and played. Great casting. The movie checks all the boxes…
I watched some new romanian comedies lately and this one is by far the most well directed, shot and played. Great casting. The movie checks all the boxes, funny, serious, inspirational, crafted with attention to details. It has all the ingredients of a modern american film, done with a tight budget in a creative country. You can tell where the craftmanship and dedication is involved in production.
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★ 9 / 10
A Fresh, Funny, and Heartfelt Heist"
mihai_scortea
"High School Thieves" is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with modern audiences while evoking the nostalgia of youth. It skillfully blends…
"High School Thieves" is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that resonates with modern audiences while evoking the nostalgia of youth. It skillfully blends contemporary relevance with deeper moral questions, maintaining a clear narrative focus throughout. Framed as an "e-heist" comedy, the film cleverly weaves sitcom-style humor with unexpected punchlines, delivering consistent laughs and keeping viewers thoroughly entertained.Beyond its humor, the story dives into emotional depth, ensuring audiences remain invested in the characters' journeys. The ensemble cast shines, with standout performances from Stefan Iancu and lead Karina Jianu, whose chemistry and authenticity elevate the film. Refreshingly, "High School Thieves" sets itself apart from the trend of formulaic Romanian comedies, offering a unique and engaging experience.Writer-director Tudor Petremarin's feature debut is a remarkable achievement, marking him as a talent to watch. This vibrant and thoughtful film is a promising sign of great things to come.
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6.3/10
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