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Károly Makk's beloved film, based on the autobiographical writings of Tibor Déry, is a meditation on time, memory, love and loss. Two women await the return of political prisoner Janos. His elderly mother believes him to be working abroad; his devoted wife knows the painful truth of his absence… and fears she may never see him alive again. Beautifully played by two giants of Hungarian cinema, Lili Darvas and Mari Törõcsik, the film is a subtle yet powerful exploration of the consequences of life under totalitarian rule. Perfectly realised, Makk's tender masterpiece is a landmark of international cinema. (Second Run)

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