From the director of The Return (2003) comes a compelling, slow-burning morality tale with a spellbinding score by renowned composer Philip Glass. Elena is the story of a loyal wife and mother who lives with her wealthy husband. When Elena's unemployed son from a previous marriage asks for help to finance her grandson's Smirnov, Yelena Lyadova education (and thus help him escape being drafted into the army) she becomes drawn into a complex web of questions concerning family ties and allegiances. An expertly crafted film that gradually builds to a powerful conclusion, Elena won the prestigious Special Jury Prize at 2011's Cannes Film Festival. Part of Glasgow Film Festival 2012: It's a Wonderful World.

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