Nae Caranfil's first feature is an intriguing and often humorous story of three pre- revolutionary Romanians whose lives are revealed to be intertwined as the film progresses. Telling the romantic comedy/drama in three chapters ("The Student," "The Actor," "The Soldier"), Caranfil's talent for recognizing humor and humanity in even the most grim of circumstances - which is so prominent in his later works - is evident here as well. It is a shame this film has had such limited exposure in the west, as it would certainly appeal to audiences here.