Chudo

beautiful idea, memorable fact. and a strange movie because the director has ambition to present a tale out of words. and his work is so serious that becomes huge rock. desire to describe all, to reflect each detail, to create perfect atmosphere, to realize a political manifesto and an Orthodox film has only a fragile result - a gray fresco with disappointed end. the religious way is suffocated. the touch of miracle - compromised. the presence of God is only a thin suggestion. the beauty of truth faith - ambiguous shadow. the image of Father Seraphim of Ravanitsa is covered by uninspired presence of Khrutchev. so, Chudo is a disappointed. an exercise to define the mystery of faith fact. a brutal search of Truth in heavy small things. but idea remains beautiful. and testimonies about this extraordinary experience is perfect cure after the end of film.

This is a true story, it's a nice film for a Christian orthodox to watch. my wife has read the book some years ago, the story there was a little bit different. The mother doesn't die and she was there all the time praying for her daughter.