The story of Maria, the impoverished wife of a factory worker with seven kids, is based on a true story. However, after watching the film, I felt that I had seen the story of millions of women throughout the post-communist world and elsewhere wherever urban poverty exists. The details are crystal clear, the obstacles scorchingly real, but the overarching struggle, to put food on the table for her seven children, is the story that involves the viewer.
Besides that, we see the husband and his best friend, a sort of Sancho Panza type, as they stumble their way through life, irresponsibly leaving their families to drink, gamble and drift away. The husband is an enigma, being reduced to yet another obstacle in Maria's life. I think the film would have much more depth if we could understand the husband a bit better. He represents the other side of urban, post-industrial society, the loss of a role for the unemployed father.
In all, it is a beautifully written story, with some excellent acting from all the main cast. A truly worthwhile film to see.
Besides that, we see the husband and his best friend, a sort of Sancho Panza type, as they stumble their way through life, irresponsibly leaving their families to drink, gamble and drift away. The husband is an enigma, being reduced to yet another obstacle in Maria's life. I think the film would have much more depth if we could understand the husband a bit better. He represents the other side of urban, post-industrial society, the loss of a role for the unemployed father.
In all, it is a beautifully written story, with some excellent acting from all the main cast. A truly worthwhile film to see.