Competition (1971)

Competition Poster

An out of work man must take his son to a school poetry competition while accompanied by his friendly neighbours, of which, he's not too secretly been having an affair with the wife.

Film Overview
"Competition" is a 1971 movie produced in Romania under the direction of Mircea Daneliuc. This film marks the epoch of Romanian cinematography as it brought fresh wave and concepts worrying reality and visual art. The movie holds the audience's attention through its realism and pertinent representation of life, interpersonal relationships, and societal issues, masterfully taking a look at human relationships and actions.

Plot Summary
The movie's plot focuses on two main characters, Ion and Ilie, who are employees in the very same factory. Starting as pals, Ion and Ilie unwind the dynamics of rivalry in a spectrum of relationships, including professional, individual, and love interests. The title "Competition" majorly concentrates on their continuous competition, initially at work, which slowly reaches other aspects of life.

The working atmosphere heightens when Ion gets a promotion that Ilie thinks must have been his, resulting in a spiral of envy and scorn between the pair. The competition grows as it reaches their individual life, highlighting how work relationships can heavily affect our non-professional interactions.

On the other hand, a secondary plot, yet greatly adding to the film's story, is the love interest of these male lead characters. Both guys are engaged in a subtle competition for the affection and attention of a woman named Elena. The central triangle of Ion, Ilie, and Elena establishes throughout the motion picture, birthing a series of mind-clashing and heart-wrenching moments.

Production and Performance
"Competition" is a masterpiece from Romanian movie theater that showcases the impressive abilities of its director, Mircea Daneliuc. He is successful in threading together several stories with a sense of cohesiveness and a pinch of realism. The film likewise incorporates efficient cinematography and resourceful technical elements, adding to the general realism and trustworthiness of the motion picture.

Performances by lead stars Ion, represented by Stefan Iordache, and Ilie, played by Gheorghe Dinica, are notable. Their ability to interact the nuances of their characters' progressing relationship and their originality is praised. The character of Elena, played by Ileana Popovici, provides the needed contraposition to the story and provides compelling interaction with the other characters.

Themes and Impact
The main theme of the film revolves around competition and rivalry, not only at the professional level but also in individual relationships. The movie substantially captures the damaging capacity of competition when it spirals out of control. Another thematic strand in the film is the struggle in between personal dispositions and social pressures, taking audiences on a journey of individual victories and collective failures.

"Competition" enables the audience to ponder on the essence of competition and its effects on relationships, while likewise contributing a new viewpoint on post-revolution Romanian society. Themes such as jealousy, animosity, power struggle, and extreme competitiveness are masterfully mixed, permitting the audience to take part in self-introspection.

In conclusion, "Competition" is more than simply a film; it is a social commentary on humanity, relationships, struggles, and the essence of competition in our lives. It stays appropriate even today, positioning important questions to its audience about their inspirations, engagements, and the nature of human interaction.

Top Cast

  • Michael Jayston (small)
    Michael Jayston
    Jimmy
  • John Thaw (small)
    John Thaw
    Tony
  • Anne Carroll (small)
    Anne Carroll
    Joyce
  • William Relton
    Ray
  • Patsy Blower
    Debbie
  • Rhoda Lewis (small)
    Rhoda Lewis
    Mrs. Hawkins
  • John Crocker
    Judge
  • Jacqueline Maude
    Registrar
  • George Waring (small)
    George Waring
    Official
  • Keith Chegwin (small)
    Keith Chegwin
    Maxwell