Mandragora

A real film and not an excuse for one. The mood and characters were well developed

When I first heard of this film, I was uncertain whether I would like it, but I watched it on DVD, figuring at least, well, I could turn it off any time, if it was REALLY bad. What I saw riveted and repulsed me at the same time, but nonetheless filled me with emotion. If I come away from a film with powerful feelings, I give it high points for that. And I didn't turn it off.
Do the production and script have faults? Yes, a multitude. Since this Web page provides a reviewer's synopsis, I won't give another, and I'll just add everything the synopsis says is bad about the film is true and then some. HOWEVER, what came across to me most strongly was the director's compassion for his characters, especially the protagonist, Marek. Through all his ups and horrendous downs (and sometimes bad dialog, whether from script flaws or poor translation I cannot say), I still felt for Marek and his sad situation. These feelings only increased during the course of the fiilm. Was it too long? Yes. Did it have trouble ending? Yes. Did it hammer too hard on its message? Yes, yes, yes.
Yet, after the fade to black, I was haunted by intense images of something wonderful lost, a crushed life, and premature, tragic death. During the course of the film, I came to truly care about Marek and regretted his loss. Though the film does have such pretentions, it is definitely NOT for the "haute cinema" crowd. Only watch this movie if you can suspend the bulk of your film-critic tendencies. If, instead, your main interest is an experience of great emotional power and empathy, then this is the film for you.