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Historical drama

Malmkrog (2021): Cast & Ratings

Malmkrog (2021) movie poster

Malmkrog is a 2021 historical drama directed by Cristi Puiu, starring Judith State as Velterita, Sorin Dobrin and Ugo Broussot. It runs 3 hours 21 minutes and was made on a reported $1.4 million budget. Critics gave it 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
63%
Echo Score
59
Metascore
52
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Malmkrog (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
3h 21m (201 min)
Director
Cristi Puiu
Genres
Drama , History
Original language
French
Studio
MUBI
Budget
$1.4M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Malmkrog About?

The premise of Malmkrog without spoilers.

Within the luxurious setting of a Romanian manor, five distinguished Europeans find themselves embroiled in a passionate and challenging discussion. The conversation explores profound themes of morality, religious faith, and the very nature of humanity. As they confront questions of good versus evil, the presence of both Jesus and the devil is contemplated, alongside the weighty subjects of war and peace. The intense debate exposes underlying tensions and reveals the intricacies of their characters.

Malmkrog Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • house
  • romanian new wave
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Cast & crew

Malmkrog Cast & Characters

Judith State leads the cast as Velterita, with Sorin Dobrin as Valetul and Ugo Broussot as Edouard. Directed by Cristi Puiu; 9 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Malmkrog

· 5 more
Ratings

Malmkrog Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Malmkrog 63% on Rotten Tomatoes and 52 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 59/100, strongest in art & craft (90) and weakest in character & emotion (25).

59 /100

Malmkrog Echo Score Breakdown

Malmkrog elicits admiration for its deliberate craftsmanship but divides viewers with its rigorous pace and dense dialogue. While critics note the film's intellectual ambition and metaphoric depth, many also highlight its sparse dramatic development and protracted conversational format. The trade-off between poetic confinement and engaging momentum is evident throughout. Although the chamber drama rewards patience with occasional insights, the uneven balance of cerebral stimulation and emotional resonance produces a decidedly mixed reception. The film ultimately stands as a polarizing experience with both notable strengths and clear limitations.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 90

    In terms of art and craft, the film demonstrates meticulous composition and a disciplined visual aesthetic. Several reviewers praised the deliberate framing, production design, and editing rhythms that convey a refined poetics of confinement. While some fault the direction for rigidity, the overall consensus acknowledges the director’s precise control over cinematic form. It stands as a clearly crafted work.

  • Character & Emotion 25

    When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, the film exhibits restricted development. Critics frequently note that the dense, highbrow conversations reveal little about individual motivations or relational dynamics. The study of ideas often overshadows personal connection, resulting in performances that feel more performative than empathetic. Overall, the emotional engagement remains minimal throughout.

  • Story & Flow 50

    In terms of story coherence and pacing, the film presents a mixed impression. Several reviewers appreciate the thematic relevance and philosophical inquiries that drive the dialogue, citing moments of insightful engagement and conceptual originality. However, many find the protracted conversational structure and sparse narrative incidents to undermine dramatic propulsion. In balance, the narrative flow remains uneven and challenging.

  • Sensory Experience 60

    For sensory experience, the film balances a refined visual style with occasional austerity. Praises emphasize the disciplined cinematography, controlled editing, and restrained design that reinforce its chamber drama identity. Conversely, some critics mention a lack of dynamic stimuli beyond static speaker shots, leading to periods of sensory monotony. Overall, the sound and image cohesion remains deliberate yet occasionally arid.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film elicits divided reactions to its replay value. A segment of viewers finds the dense philosophical dialogues and thematic depth inviting enough to merit another viewing, praising its nourishing intellectual experience. Others indicate that the deliberate pace and limited dramatic variation may reduce desire for subsequent viewings. Ultimately, the rewatch appeal stands at a moderate level.

Videos

Malmkrog Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 1 trailer and 1 featurette.

Malmkrog | Trailer | Berlinale Encounters 2020
  • Featurette Video Essay: "The Phantoms of Malmkrog" | FILMADRID & MUBI: The Video Essay
Details

Malmkrog Also Known As

8 alternative titles, including “매너 하우스” and “The Manor House”.

Also known as
  • 매너 하우스
  • The Manor House
  • La conac
  • Мальмкрог
  • Малмкрог
  • 말름크로그
  • 马尔姆克罗格庄园
  • 馬爾姆克羅格莊園

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FAQ

Malmkrog FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Malmkrog, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Malmkrog?

Malmkrog runs 3 hours 21 minutes (201 minutes).

When was Malmkrog released?

Malmkrog was released on April 2, 2021.

Who directed Malmkrog?

Malmkrog was directed by Cristi Puiu.

More films by Cristi Puiu

Who is in the cast of Malmkrog?

Malmkrog stars Judith State as Velterita, Sorin Dobrin as Valetul and Ugo Broussot as Edouard, among 9 credited actors.

What was the budget of Malmkrog?

Malmkrog had a reported budget of $1.4 million.

How is Malmkrog rated?

Malmkrog has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 52 on Metacritic and 68% on TMDB.

Does Malmkrog have a post-credit scene?

No. Malmkrog has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Malmkrog in?

The original language of Malmkrog is French.

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