3/4

3/4 is a sensitive and heartfelt drama released in 2017. This Bulgarian movie marks significant strides in European independent cinema and authentic family relationships. Directed and written by Ilian Metev, and beautifully acted by Mila Mihova, Nikolay Mashalov and Todor Veltchev, the film creates a profound emotional response with its understated storytelling techniques and sparingly-used dialogue.

The movie's unique title, 3/4, reflects the trajectory of the story, portraying three family members - a father, Todor Veltchev, and his two children, played by Nikolay Mashalov and Mila Mihova. The movie unfolds in Sofia, Bulgaria's capital city, but strays from its vibrant bustle to focus on the quiet lives of this small family unit. The 'missing fourth' in the film not only belongs to their absent wife and mother but underlines the emotional void they each individually deal with.

The father, a piano teacher in the story, is battling his loneliness since his wife's absence. His character, Todor, while cautiously optimistic is seen affected by life's ongoing hurdles. Nikolay Mashalov gives an impressive performance as an adolescent son coming of age, dealing with peer pressures and navigating his awkward teen years, he portrays this character with an alluring subtleness which makes its undeniable authenticity stand out. Mila Mihova, who plays the elder sister, is seen preparing herself to leave home to pursue higher studies, and she brings forth a nuanced performance grappling with her ambitions and emotional tied in the family.

The director has done a commendable job of transcribing the lives of these characters with genuine feeling. He uses long takes and fluid camera movement to focus on their mundane daily activities, transforming what might seem banal into insightful exploration of the profound subtleties of life. The precise casting choices bring additional depth to these characters, making them not only believable but relatable, further riding on the latent aesthetics of a familial bond in the throes of change.

The film is strong on the visual narrative, using Sofia's breathtaking landscapes to enhance its emotional introspection. Combined with carefully chosen, evocative music, most notably in relation to the piano which plays a critical part, it strikes a chord in the viewer's heart.

3/4 isn't only about a simple tale of a family; its realistic portrayal assists one in comprehending the battles one fights within themselves. It is a tender portrayal of individual isolation amidst the shared collective family experience. The director uses understated social commentary, addressing it with a refrained and grim observation, thus offering a perspective of the evolving society from the eyes of its endearing characters.

The film highlights how life's quotidian moments often reveal the most profound revelations about relationships, defining the transition periods of life and catching fleeting moments of insight that translate into a deep narrative about love, loss and longing. The movie uses little to no dialogue, therefore resorting to a more show-don't-tell style of cinema which delivers a powerful punch.

These characters, although living under the same roof, their struggles remain individual, boxed within their realms, their interplay giving a glimpse of their internal world. The paradox of the film lies in that 3/4's seemingly understated method paints a colorful vivid image.

While the pacing of the movie may seem slow to some, it encourages the audience to relate to the internal timing of its characters. The narrative unfolds within the characters' contemplative space, which requires the viewers to indulge deeply to cater to its rewarding experience.

The movie's acoustics subtly parallel the emotional tones of the story. Particularly, the piano, both the actual instrument and the music it produces, is an important motif that is integral in illustrating the primary theme of the film.

Overall, 3/4 is a captivating and sensitive portrait of the meaning we assign to relationships, life, and the passage of time. The richness of the narrative lies in its minimalistic approach, where emotions are conveyed more through silence and expressions than words. It is indeed a gem in the realm of independent world cinema, which leaves a lingering effect long after the screen fades to black. Hippolyte Girardot's output as a composer certainly complements the film's visual narrative, capturing its essence in rhythm and melodies.

This film is truly a visually rich and audibly soothing excursion, a poignant portrayal of a family in a specific period of existence. The performances of its small ensemble cast are wonderfully understated and relatable on a universal level, navigating the complexities of ordinary life in a truly extraordinary manner. A must-watch for those who appreciate artistic cinema that takes the road less traveled.