6 Recommended Eastern European/Russian Movies: Tracing the memories of ethnic groups and war, leading up to ``The Painted Bird''

Four. “On Body and Soul” (17) Hungary Director: Ildiko Enyedi

Among the Eastern European films, one that is particularly endearing and deeply emotional is Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi's Golden Bear Award-winning film at the Berlin International Film Festival, `` On Body and Soul .'' This is a gem full of charm, combining fantastical elements with the poignancy surrounding disability, entertaining with gentle humor and surprising developments.

Maria, a young woman who begins working as a substitute worker at a slaughterhouse on the outskirts of Budapest, is methodical but has trouble socializing with others, and has trouble fitting into the workplace. Her boss, Endre, a middle-aged man who is disabled with one hand, cares about Maria and tries to talk to her, but it becomes awkward. When the two discover that they have the same dream of turning into deer and spending time together in the forest, they suddenly become closer.

Alexandra Borbei delicately depicts Maria, who probably has Asperger's syndrome or a developmental disorder, gradually trying to overcome her lack of communication skills after meeting Endre. Thanks in part to Maria's handsome yet lovely features, the audience naturally wants to support Maria's love and life.

The ``acting'' of the male and female deer that appear in Endre and Maria's dream sequence is also so impressive that one might suspect that they were rendered using CG, but the director says that they shot real deer that live in a national park. . In Hungary, the deer is said to be a sacred animal that brought their ancestors from Asia. The psychological closeness between Eastern European people and animals may have something to do with how well animals are used in movies.

Learn more about “On Body and Soul”: A mysterious love story for all clumsy adults

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