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Trailer

The Death of Mr. Lazarescu

2005Movie2 h 34 min

ComedyDrama
84
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.8Metacritic877.8Rotten Tomatoes93%82%

A deeply moving, profoundly sad drama movie about everyday modern life and society, with standout world-building.

Good for thought-provoking · adults · public viewing safe

Skip it if you want something to laugh at · you need an uplifting mood · you want fast pacing

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Not for warmth, uplift or comfort.

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Story

A black comedy with serious side effects.

After suffering terrible headaches and stomach cramps, Mr. Lăzărescu, a lonely 63 year-old man, calls for an ambulance, beginning one man’s hellish journey through Bucharest hospitals in search of proper medical care. As the night unfolds, his health starts to deteriorate fast.

Feels like

  • Social Realism
  • Bleak Drama
  • Healthcare Critique
  • Romanian New Wave
  • Unflinching
  • Character Study
  • Bureaucratic Nightmare
  • Tragic
  • Slow-Burn
  • Contemporary Bucharest

Cast

17 of 17

Crew

Directed by
Cristi Puiu
Written by
Cristi Puiu, Răzvan Rădulescu
Produced by
Bobby Păunescu, Anca Puiu
Music by
Andreea Păduraru

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 27, 2005 · 2 h 34 min · Disturbing Imagery

Released
May 27, 2005
Runtime
2 h 34 min
Content
Disturbing Imagery
Genres
Drama, Comedy
Original language
Romanian
Made in
Romania
Budget
$390,000
Box office
$216,000
Available in
11 countries

Q&A

5 questions, like "Where can I stream The Death of Mr. Lazarescu?"

Questions about The Death of Mr. Lazarescu

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Death of Mr. Lazarescu?

Criterion

In the United States, The Death of Mr. Lazarescu streams on Criterion. It also streams in 4 other countries.

Is The Death of Mr. Lazarescu worth watching?

84
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84 (IMDb 7.8, Rotten Tomatoes 93%, and Metacritic 87). Critics rate it higher (90 out of 100) than audiences (79).

Will The Death of Mr. Lazarescu make me laugh?

Serious

Not much for a comedy: the title analysis gives its humor 0 of 4.

Is The Death of Mr. Lazarescu plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on pathos (9 of 10) and dialogue centrality (9 of 10) more than on its plot.

Is The Death of Mr. Lazarescu in English?

Romanian

No, it was made in Romanian.