I picked this movie out of curiosity at the Locarno film festival and was deeply touched by it's vibrant sincerity, the display of such a life-affirming power in an almost morbid surrounding and the tight final blink of hope. Saw it again in a small art-house cinema without any loss of this strong impression. Anything else is being said in the above comments, except that it is a shame that you hardly can get this movie anywhere, nor other works of this romanian genius L. Pintilie. Hints welcome. It makes a huge contrast to many disappointing experiences with "award"-laden movies of the well-established breed, garnished with acclaim which you find out are absolutely pointless. I consider myself not being prone to applaud art-house for art-house's sake though. This is a too-well hidden jewel.
