The Happiest Girl in the World is a Romanian film directed by Radu Jude, that will not make you the happiest spectator in the world but at times will make you smile or laugh. When the final credits will flow on the screen a natural question might torture you “Was that all?” The script is pretty simple – a 17 year old girl won a car after sending in 3 labels taken from some juice bottles.
She and her parents travel to Bucharest to get the car but the girl will take part into a whole day of filming testimonials to encourage people to send in their labels. During the breaks between filming, Delia’s parents pressure her to sign an agreement to sell the car. They see the car not as a prize for their daughter but as a financial opportunity to fund their dream of opening a tourist hostel.
The film’s title, “The Happiest Girl in the World,” carries a heavy dose of irony. Despite the joyous proclamation required for the commercial—“… and I am the happiest girl in the world…”—Delia’s lack of enthusiasm and forced smiles betray a stark contrast to her supposed happiness. This irony is not lost on the marketing team, who become increasingly frustrated with Delia’s inability to perform the line with genuine joy. The repeated actions and lines during the shoot serve as a metaphor for the monotony and insincerity often found in commercialized happiness.
The film delves into themes of consumerism, family pressure, and the authenticity of emotions. It questions the nature of happiness and how it is often packaged and sold in modern society. Delia’s predicament reflects a broader commentary on how individual desires are frequently subsumed by societal and familial expectations. The car, a symbol of freedom and success, becomes a point of contention and a source of unhappiness, rather than the joyous reward it was meant to be.
“The Happiest Girl in the World” premiered at the Berlinale in 2009, where it received attention for its subtle yet incisive narrative. The film was inspired by a real-life situation witnessed by the director, Radu Jude, adding a layer of authenticity to its portrayal of events. Critics and audiences appreciated the film’s realistic depiction of characters and its ability to find humor and irony in everyday situations.
To See or Not to See?
“The Happiest Girl in the World” is a film that uses simplicity and irony to explore deeper societal issues. While it may not leave viewers feeling like the happiest spectators, it offers moments of laughter and reflection. The film’s realistic portrayal of a young girl’s struggle against external pressures and her quest for genuine happiness resonates with audiences, making it a poignant and thought-provoking piece of cinema.
