5 Minutes Too Late

A gang of anti-gay hooligans invades a screening of a gay-themed film in Bucharest. When the police are called, they don't enter the venue, but instead loiter outside making bigoted jokes. Meanwhile one of the audience members is beaten until comatose.

From this scenario there would appear to be clear heroes and villains. But in this beautifully shaded and nuanced film, there is both blame and sympathy elicited for all the parties: a news media that is energized and proactive but is more interested in creating a stage-managed narrative than reporting the truth; a police force with some reactionary and prejudiced officers, but which also contains men of courage and selflessness ; and finally the totality of Romanian society, struggling with overcoming outmoded attitudes ("the EU thinks we're barbarians").

There are also rivalries and personality clashes within the various groups, adding color and detail to the depiction of these flawed but all too human protagonists. The thoroughly unexpected climax is expertly written and performed, bringing this thoughtful and perceptive film to a more than satisfying conclusion.