The Inheritance

– In this standard Hungarian drama, the effects of sterility and jealousy on a marriage are played out..

Type:
Movie
Rating:
6.90 / 10
Duration:
One Hour and 45 Minutes
Release Year:
1980
Original Name:
Örökség
The Inheritance (1980) - Also known as Örökség

In this standard Hungarian drama, the effects of sterility and jealousy on a marriage are played out against a backdrop of World War II and the rising Nazi persecution of Jews. Director Marta Meszaros usually focuses on issues like pregnancy, middle-age, and other topics without questioning the broader picture. In this drama, Sylvia (Lili Monori) cannot have children, and she convinces married Jewish woman Irene (Isabelle Huppert) to have a child and then give the child to her for adoption. The plan works but it also backfires. The way in which the child was adopted causes friction between Sylvia and her husband, and to make matters worse, Sylvia's husband falls in love with Irene. A crisis looms when he asks his jealous wife to give Irene her identity papers because Jews are being deported and Irene will die without their help.

Story Timeline:
Producing Country:
Filming Locations:
Genre:
Language:

French, English

Director:

John Kramer

Writer:

John Kramer

Main Actors:

Donald Brittain

Plot:

This film charts the early stirrings of nationalism in the province of Québec, Canada. Its gradual growth and its culmination in the Québec Referendum as seen through the careers of Daniel Johnson and his two sons: Daniel Jr., Vice-president of Power Corporation and a Liberal, and Pierre-Marc, former Minister of Labor in the Parti Québécois government. Unlike their father, they have had to make the painful choice between Québec and Canada.