DVD Review: The Treasure

STUDIO: IFC | DIRECTOR: Corneliu Porumboiu | CAST: Cuzin Toma, Adrian Purcarescu, Radu Banzaru, Corneliu Cozmei, Dan Chiriac
RELEASE DATE: Sept. 19, 2017 | PRICE: DVD $24.98
BONUSES: none
SPECS: NR | 89 min. | Foreign language comedy | Romanian with English subtitles

RATINGS (out of 5 dishes): Movie  | Audio | Video Overall


The Treasure
is a 2015 comedy from Romanian writer,director Corneliu Porumboiu (12:08 East of Bucharest), but don’t expect to LOL.

Costi (Cuzin Toma) is a workaday family man whose cash-strapped next-door neighbor (Adrian Purcarescu) makes him and intriguing proposition: help him find the fortune reportedly buried somewhere on the grounds of his family’s country home and split the profits.  As they start digging the film very subtly reflects on Romania’s turbulent history, unearthing a slightly wry, and at times comic, social commentary.

The Treasure received the Prix Un Certain Talent Prize at Cannes and was favorably reviewed upon its limited release in 2016.  Though admired by critics and cinephiles, the film may not have broader appeal with average audiences.  The tone and humor is so dry that the intended wit may be easily lost. The leads are solid but lack any engaging personality traits. The purposeful slow pacing finally leads to a clever ending that winkingly comments on the state of our social values which may make the viewing journey worthwhile for some.

Buy or Rent The Treasure
on DVD

About Janine

Janine is a dedicated fan of the 1940 film Kitty Foyle, directed by Sam Wood, written by Dalton Trumbo and starring Ginger Rogers, who won an Oscar for her portrayal. And seeing that film is all it took to make her a lifelong movie lover. Janine is excited to add her insights to the great team at DishDisc.com.