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GADJO DILO Send This Review to a Friend
The culture of gypsies has long been an intriguing subject and GADJO DILO, written and directed by Tony Gatlif, whose parents were gypsies of Spanish origin, whisks us to Romania in a robust, colorful drama set in an authentic gypsy community. The plot involves the travels of Stephane, a young Parisian who is in search of a singer adored by his late father. He has a tape recording of her voice, and in a booze-soaked encounter is befriended by Izidor, an elderly musician who recognizes the voice on tape.
What follows is a turbulent drama with a little of everything --a love affair between Stephane and Sabina, a beautiful dancer, Izidor's efforts to free his imprisoned son and the education of Stephane, at first known as a "gadjo dilo," which means crazy outsider, to the ways of the people he meets. Tempestuous gypsy music and vigorous dancing give the film a rousing beat and the colorful, caring depiction of the gypsies has the fascination of a travelogue. Romain Duris as Stephane, Isidor Serban as Izidor and the fetching Romanian-born and educated Rona Hartner as Sabina (Hartner now lives in Paris), reinforced by Romanian gypsy locals, help provide unusual realism and passion, which makes up for the occasional excess. A Lions Gate Films release.
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