I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History as Barbarians

A theater director, Mariana, is tasked with creating a historical reenactment about a tragic event: the massacre of Odessa, where Romanian soldiers killed thousands of Soviet civilians in 1941. As she delves deeper into the historical context and confronts the painful truths of her country's past, Mariana faces resistance from various quarters, including the military and segments of the public who prefer to ignore or deny this dark chapter. The film blurs the lines between performance and reality, questioning how history is remembered, taught, and ultimately, confronted.

The film received critical acclaim for its bold and provocative exploration of historical memory and national identity. Critics praised director Radu Jude's unflinching approach to a sensitive subject, highlighting its intellectual depth and its ability to spark important conversations about complicity and historical revisionism. While challenging, the film was lauded for its artistic merit and its contribution to understanding the complexities of Eastern European history.

• A challenging and important film that tackles uncomfortable historical truths with intellectual rigor.

• Praised for its daring exploration of national memory and its critique of historical denial.

• The film's meta-theatrical elements effectively highlight the constructed nature of historical narratives.

Google audience: Audience reviews generally commend the film for its thought-provoking content and its courage in addressing a difficult historical event. Many appreciate its intellectual depth and the way it encourages reflection on national identity and the responsibility to remember the past.

Special Jury Prize at the Sarajevo Film Festival, Europa Cinemas Label Award at the Transilvania International Film Festival.

The film's title is a direct quote from an actual historical speech given by Ion Antonescu, the wartime dictator of Romania, justifying Romania's involvement in World War II on the Eastern Front.