Tras la puerta

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 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.

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.

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.

First of all this is a Hungarian made film and using Hungarian actors with the exception of Britains Helen Mirren - and it is entirely in English.

You might wonder why Helen Mirren appears in this film and compare her role in 'the Queen' and 'The Tempest". If it was not for Helen Mirren, I doubt this film would have any publicity or marketing potential at all.

Helen Mirren plays an eccentric maid called Emerinc who basically works for a family across the street. She has had an interesting life but lives somewhat reclusive and nobody ever enters her house, hence the title of 'The Door'.

The film is essentially about Emerinc and her relationship with her employers. The story in a sense is very ordinary but this is a very interesting drama because it gives an insight into Hungarian folk life and provides a terrific acting platform for the great talents of Helen Mirren.

I liked the film very much. It is not a thriller in the normal sense but a slow slow drama which tells a story about a lonely woman and her relationship with her villagers.

While there is a definite dearth in good movies around at the moment, this one stands out as different and very watchable. Enjoy!