As one of our New Year’s resolutions, my husband and I have decided to go to the movies once a week. It’s an ambitious resolution but we have two friends who are in on it, too. It’s kind of like going to the gym with friends but more fun: you only go if you have someone else relying on you to go.

The last time we all went together,  I chose the film: American Gangster. In Italian, they call that kind of film either “un’Americanata” or “un polpettone.” In other words, either it’s an American blockbuster hit that cost more to make than the GNP of a small African country with a star-studded cast of Hollywood honeys. Or, it’s a big, fat, juicy piece of meatloaf: comfort food, tasty but probably not that great for your health.

Last night, our movie friends, who are Greek, chose a Romanian film titled “California Dreamin’ (Endless).” When my husband told me what it was about, I groaned. A train carrying NATO weapons and a dozen American soldiers remains blocked in the middle of nowhere in Romania by the train station master who won’t budge unless he sees customs papers. The story unfolds as the American soldiers fall into the lives of the Romanians of the tiny village while waiting for the permission needed for the train to carry on its way. It is a charming and poignant film which I would highly recommend to anyone but, especially to Americans.  The Romanians offer a hospitality to the American soldiers that is so kind it’s embarassing. But their generosity of heart ultimately leads to the troubling tragedy that strikes a small village in civil strife.  I felt compassion for the Romanians who open their hearts and homes to Americans, but, then, shame for how the American “invasion” to the village ultimately harms its people.

The film has already won numerous awards — at Cannes, in particular. My only criticism is that it’s too long (3 hours). So don’t go to a late show. But do go see it: you’ll learn something.

http://www.californiadreaminendless.com