Atrás da Porta

she is the star. but in different mode. axis of story, her character is a pillar and window. the performance - long delicate precise chain of nuances is not a surprise. but the impression of new is powerful not only for the Hungarian soul of story, for the normal question why she accepts perform in a Central European film - her origins are not far than Mitteleurope, but for the excellent work. it is a beautiful film and the work of each actor is admirable. but she is the sun ray who gives something unique at all. and this is basic fact who recommend it. a detail who remember not the talent or the prizes, roles or genius but something special because her presence in cast is not a solution for advertising or clue for public but the perfect ingredient for an excellent show. a film about the past as skin of present. and a door. it is all.

A few times in ones lifetime they have the great fortune to discover a Jewel of a film. This movie is a Rare Gem. Few films are made with such passion and beauty. You must watch this movie. However you do not watch it as much as you savor it as you would a fine wine.

The synopsis for this movie states, "This is a story of a special relationship between two women, a writer and her maid." I was curious as to why it was so minimized a synopsis. Upon viewing the movie after only 25 minutes it was so clear to me why. There are not words precious enough to describe the synopsis/plot of this story.

Relationships as complex, beautiful and enduring as that which exist between these two women are beyond explanation. Starring Helen Mirren and Martina Gedeck.

the definitions are not the inspired way to describe this special film. because it is a return to the small things who are too precious and fragile for be parts of a definition. and because the acting is , in this case, not exactly good or remarkable or impressive or seductive or precise. it is only is. sure, the axis is the work of Hellen Mirren. but her admirable performance gives opportunity to discover the sides of story in the right light. and to her partners to build solid characters. it is a film about a meet and memories and tragic decisions and the present who preserves old scarfs. and about the silence inside the words. a film from the East because the East is the best embroidery of old dramatic stories and immortal memories. a film for reflect, understand and admire. and about trust. and friendship. and the bitter beauty of solitude.

Not having read the novel, I am not sure whether the film is great or if the film was infused greatness by the novel. The subject is remarkable. The performances of the two leading ladies are remarkable too, with an unforgettable turn by Ms Mirren. A highlight are cameos by Czech director Jiri Menzel as a lung surgeon with director Istvan Szabo standing behind him at the door as his colleague. Evidently Szabo and Menzel were mutual admirers. Szabo's "Budapest Tales" and "Mephisto" are superior to this noteworthy work.

The more I think about it, the more I think this film serves as a metaphor for many things. Everyone has suffered pain and loss. Everyone has something to hide.

Emerence was not an easy person to get to know. Some people probably thought she was mean. Yet when she got to know about and care about someone, she was fiercely loyal and devoted, in spite of her past pain and loss.

Yet by contrast, there are plenty of people who are friendly and pleasant to all, easy to talk to about nothing substantial, and these people will smile in your face while they don't really give a Damn about you and could white possibly stab you in the back.