Brick in the Wall

In May 1973, a Romanian couple started building their dream home. Almost 40 years later the house still has no solid roof, floors, windows or doors. The father, a local carpenter, has lost all his pride and status in the process of building. In an attempt to win them back for him, his 30-year-old son offers to spend his free hours finishing the job. When he has time, the son and his father work together bricklaying, laying floors and smoking cigarettes. While they slog away, the mother attempts to lead a normal life and run the household despite all the setbacks and disappointments. The unfinished project has diminished the standing of the family in the village: they watch the funeral of a fellow villager from a distance, and while the mother makes the journey to mass each week the father stays home and watches TV. This observational and at moments tragicomic film shows the effects of working on a project that simply won't end. It also gives an impression of contemporary Romania, where uncompleted projects and dashed dreams have blighted many family relationships.