Of course, you can't expect super quality from this Romanian police drama, especially when you know that it was shot during the Ceausescu years (a time of oppression and strict censorship).
However, it has many saving graces. The story is solid. The characters are surprisingly interesting. The propaganda is there, but not so obvious as to make you stop watching. The chases between the Inspector and the Iron Guard are well directed and great fun to watch (especially the staircase and the theatre sequence). It could be argued perhaps that the film is a bit longer than it should be, but, fortunately, the rhythm of the action is good and you don't get too bored.
All in all, Nicolaescu proves one more time that, despite all difficult circumstances and artistic limitations, he is a great cinematographer.
However, it has many saving graces. The story is solid. The characters are surprisingly interesting. The propaganda is there, but not so obvious as to make you stop watching. The chases between the Inspector and the Iron Guard are well directed and great fun to watch (especially the staircase and the theatre sequence). It could be argued perhaps that the film is a bit longer than it should be, but, fortunately, the rhythm of the action is good and you don't get too bored.
All in all, Nicolaescu proves one more time that, despite all difficult circumstances and artistic limitations, he is a great cinematographer.