The movie centers on a father’s efforts to secure his daughter’s future. Coming from the director of 'Beyond the Hills', I wasn't overly familiar with his previous work, but my expectations were met. Those who appreciate his films will likely enjoy this one as well. It felt like something that could have been an Oscar contender, similar to 'Toni Erdmann,' although Romania chose to submit a different film. The movie tackles multiple themes, notably shining a light on social issues and the education system, especially from a parent’s point of view. At its core, it's about a father and his determination to ensure his daughter has a better life. It shares similarities with 'Fathers & Daughter', but focuses on one specific issue and features an incredibly realistic presentation without any background music. Everything revolves around the premise presented in the title. A doctor who is also a father wants to provide his daughter with the best possible education. The family experiences a significant shock following a tragic event, just before her annual exams. This understandably disrupts their lives, but the father remains focused on helping his daughter achieve the high score needed for admission into a top university worldwide. Simultaneously, challenges arise in both his personal and professional life, leading him to confront difficult situations and even bend some moral boundaries. > ❝Sometimes, in life, it's the result that counts.❞ The story unfolds from the father’s perspective, and he appears in nearly every scene. A loving parent often believes they know what is best for their child, sometimes pushing boundaries out of love and concern. As children grow up, particularly when they reach eighteen, they naturally seek independence and want to lessen their parents' influence, like a fledgling bird learning to fly. While this aspect isn’t the primary focus, it’s understandable given the events that unfold. From a social standpoint, corruption and the pressures of high-stakes exams drive much of the plot. The film could have benefitted from being trimmed by about ten to fifteen minutes if the father's professional life hadn't been explored so deeply. That felt somewhat extraneous, but it’s also an integral part of what this film is trying to portray—a glimpse into his life. I suspect not everyone will grasp the movie’s purpose, which isn’t primarily entertainment or inspiration, but rather a realistic portrayal of parental experiences. I probably would have made similar choices as the father in this situation. However, due to parallel events occurring within the main storyline, he faced additional pressure from his own family. The narrative takes an unexpected turn toward the end, which could be disappointing for those who initially sided with the father. Ultimately, he learns a valuable lesson about his approach to dealing with what he perceived as slipping away from his carefully laid plans. Overall, it's a strong film that offers insight into how some people navigate difficult times impacted by external factors. My only minor disappointment was with the crime element of the story; it didn’t quite live up to my expectations, but that often reflects reality. This is particularly suited for fans of dramatic films, as maintaining patience with the pacing is required. 7/10

Source on TMDB