User reviews

I saw this film at the Leiden International Film Festival (LIFF) 2013, where it was part of the section Window To Russia. The story is about single-mom Inna, and her 6 years old son Mitya. In the opening scene we see her becoming aware that she suffers an incurable illness. Rather than getting depressed and weeping over her decreasing health, her first priority is to find replacement parents for her son. She deems her former husband out of the playing field, which we see confirmed with our own eyes when witnessing a short visit at his house. The search starts with making a compilation video that shows the son in various happy moments. It is sent to prospective parents, who she interviews later on.

An important moment in the developments was that all interviews with prospective parents proved disappointing, to say the least. A few scenes sufficed to expose them as clearly unfit for the task, by merely highlighting a feature that immediately changed our attitude towards them in their disadvantage. We deeply felt with Inna, who nearly lost hope and feared this search would lead to nowhere. And suddenly, one woman showed up who became a better and better match while we got the chance to know her (and her husband, at a later stage). An important remark by Inna is that the previous interviews had setup her, and thus was very happy to meet a prospective parent different from the ones she saw previously. I for myself shared that feeling of relief.

Above anything else, her choice proved right. Inna's health deteriorates visibly, but she holds on, if only to see Mitya settling in with his new family. In the final scene we see him using the words Dad and Mom in a very natural way, showing us that the new situation is gradually becoming a fact of life for him. Mitya's former fears that his mother was plotting to sell him to organ traders (something he saw on TV), obviously faded away due to the natural family life that his new parents offered him.

To my regret, this "settling in" part of the scenario was a bit sketchy. We assume they did not "convince" him by buying expensive presents, but merely behaved as average loving parents do. However, there were no scenes included where Mitya needed to be corrected on bad behavior, or otherwise straightened out. This can be considered a missing element, as such lesser harmonious moments are part of any family life too. I consider this a small defect in the scenario, but not serious enough to hamper my experience as a whole.

All in all, apart from the fact that I cannot explain why I only felt remotely involved in the main characters, the film makers did a fine job in dramatizing the plot and showing us the respective crucial moments in the inevitable change. A minor complaint is that the story is a bit far-fetched and unusual, as most parents would not have so much energy to find a new home for their children, even not allowed enough time to get it through until a happy end. In this unique case, Inna could complete the task before her, in spite of her diminishing health. What I did not expect is that my tear-glands were not called into action. Others may disagree but I find this a positive aspect, as the story is told in a compelling way and can stand on its own feet.

The synopsis of the movie warned a tearful watching experience. Anticipation is one thing , the experience is another - yes, it was very tear-jerking , realistic, beautiful presentation.

There is a malayalam movie 'Aakashadoothu' that addresses the same theme of a dying mother arranging for her kids' adoption. That movie ranks as stupid after experiencing this one. If this one is a 10/10 , that would be a 2/10 , if this one is barcelona, that one is a mohan bagan.

When someone is forced into a tough situation, he/she works on it and learns to handle it inspite of all the odds. People around react to her. Life goes on too - that is how the movie ends. That is how it should ideally be - the willpower of the protagonist should drive her son's life forward and that is what happens.

The young vibrant positive mother makes all the right decisions for the boy. She has a very responsible challenge in front of her - finding the right parents. She does not go easy on the decision - does very detailed study , weighs out every single aspect emotionally and smartly. Very inspiring.

People around her support her for most. Various people in various ways - very realistic true responses.Detailed heartfelt conversations all through the movie fabric - very open , very true - no flak , nothing to cut through, just the essence.

The mother, the son , the new parents, every one of the protagonists have done great work as actors. Editing is perfect. The use of the camera focussing to impress the head-ache that the mother goes through works very well.

The movie will make you value the people in your life more.

Young single mother Inna has a very good relationship with her 5-year old son Mitya, full of love and laughter. Things take a turn for the worse when she starts experimenting odd medical symptoms and soon afterward learns that she has little time left to live. Rather than becoming sulky and depressed because of the debilitating disease and growing pain that quickly isolate her from the world around her, Inna goes in search of foster parents for her son, while continuing laughing whenever she has a chance.

A truly moving story of generosity, love and courage.

Do not be put off by the sad subject. The film director, the script, and the wonderful acting by everyone, from the main to the secondary characters, get everything right. Nothing overwhelming, nothing fake or overly dramatic, just light touches that convey what the experience is like in a truthful and caring manner.

A massive achievement with a difficult subject. Big bow and thanks to all involved.