Maria's Lovers

Saw this film long ago and thought it was beautiful and moving. It was imperative to understanding this film to know that during the time the husband was imprisoned, Maria's picture had become a religious icon for him. SHe had become a saint in his mind, and therefore the problems resulting with him unable to treat Maria as a real woman after his return from the war. It is important to know that Orthodox religions pray through the Saints. Her picture was the only thing he had to keep sane during his prisoner of war years, so it was of immense importance. THe short black and white war scene at the beginning of the film had to be considered very carefully before one could understand the horrors this man had endured. It is important to realise, especially today, that men come back from war changed, although we stay the same.