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The Happiest Girl in the World

The Happiest Girl in the World (2009)

May 08, 2009 1h 39m Comedy Drama

Delia, a young Romanian girl, comes to Bucharest with her parents to collect a prize she has won in a contest organized by a soft-drinks company. The prize is a beautiful new car. All Delia has to do now is appear in front of the camera in a commercial. All goes well until it becomes clear that Delia and her parents have very different ideas about what to do with the new car. Meanwhile, the contest's sponsor needs a radiant prize-winner with a gleaming smile. A wicked satire and a psychological portrait of a society perverted by its slavery to capitalism and consumerism

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Directed by Radu Jude

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Radu Jude
Writer
  • Radu Jude
  • Augustina Stanciu
Producer
  • Ada Solomon

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, The Happiest Girl in the World examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Radu Jude brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Happiest Girl in the World took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 125 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 387 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The musical score contains over 40 unique compositions.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 2009, when this film is released:
  • Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Happiest Girl in the World shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Beautiful Bitch, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Happiest Girl in the World offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like 6.9 on the Richter Scale and Betrayal explore similar territory, The Happiest Girl in the World stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: May 8, 2009
  • Runtime: 1h 39m

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